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EXCHANGE

H. P. MOVER.
TCngler, Company E, Lebanon, Pa.

HISTORY

OF THE

Seventeenth Regiment

Pennsylvania Volunteer
Cavalry

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SECOND IN THE LINE

OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER

REGIMENTS

War to Suppress the Rebellion, 1861-1865

Compiled from

Records of the Rebellion, Official Reports, Recollections, Remi
niscences, Incidents, Diaries and Company Rosters

WITH AN APPENDIX

H. P. MOVER

Formerly Bugler Co. E, 17th Regt., Pa. Vol. Cavalry

SOWERS PRINTING COMPANY
LEBANON, PA.

239273

REGIMENTAL MONUMENT — GETTYSBURG, PA.

WAR
REBEL JON

3n iWemorp of tfje Jllen

tofco Compotfefc tfje ^ebenteentfj Eegiment

$enns#lbama Volunteer Catmlrp

who so patriotically responded to the call of Abraham
Lincoln, President of the United States of America, for
300,000 volunteers to suppress the most gigantic rebellion
the world had ever known, and who so heroically and
gallantly defended the nation's capital and flag, this

volume is respectfully dedicated.

THE AUTHOR.

COMMANDERS

CORPS.

Major General P. H. SHERIDAN.

Major General ALFRED PLEASONTON.

Major General GEORGE STONEMAN.

Major General WESLEY MERRITT.

DIVISION.

Brevet Major General ALFRED T. A. TORBERT.

Brevet Major General. JOHN BUFORD.

Brevet Major General WESLEY MERRITT.

Brigadier General THOMAS C. DEVIN.

BRIGADE.

Brigadier General JOHN BUFORD.

Brigadier General THOMAS C. DEVIN.

Brevet Brigadier General CHARLES L. FITZHUGH.

Colonel Louis P. DI-CESNOLA.

REGIMENT.

Colonel JOSIAH H. KELLOGG.

Colonel COE DURLAND.

Brevet Colonel J. Q. ANDERSON.

Brevet Lieutenant Colonel . , .WILLIAM THOMPSON.

PREFACE

IMMEDIATELY after the Seventeenth Regiment, Penn-
-*• sylvania Volunteer Cavalry, was mustered out of the ser
vice, Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore W. Bean, of the
regiment, issued "The Roll of Honor of the Seventeenth
R.egiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry," which was to
have been followed by a more comprehensive history. After
waiting a reasonable time and the history not materializing,
the author called on Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore
W. Bean, and was informed that, because the men who had
composed the regiment were widely scattered, and because
of pressing professional duties, the contemplated history,
for the time being at least, was abandoned ; and before the
project was again taken up, Colonel Bean had died.

In compliance with an Act of the General Assembly, ap
proved June 15, 1887, to provide for the erection of monu
ments to mark the position of Pennsylvania commands in
the battle of Gettysburg, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry Association was organized. And while
the chief object of the association was to aid the Commis
sion in locating, designing and erecting such a monument as
the regiment was entitled to under the act, the subject of a
regimental history was freely discussed, and it was confi
dently hoped that its compilation could be accomplished at
the same time. But the design and material selected by the
properly constituted committee for the monument exhaust
ed the available funds ; and, because the principal consider
ation then was the erection of the monument, the regimental
history project, for the time being, was again abandoned.

By chance, while the author was visiting in the city of
Washington, D. C, he met Lieutenant James A. Clark, who
was at one time the adjutant of the regiment. We both
deplored the fact that the regiment was without a regimen
tal history. Lieutenant James A. Clark at once volunteered
to edit the compilation of the history provided sufficient
data could be secured to warrant its publication. But, un-

PREFACE

fortunately, Lieutenant Clark, like Brevet Lieutenant-colo
nel Bean, died before the work got under way, and again
the project was defeated.

While these disappointments had a tendency to dampen
the ardor of even the most enthusiastic advocates of the
history, there was always a sufficient number of the mem
bers left who kept the project alive and advocated its con
summation whenever opportunities presented themselves.
And so, at a regimental reunion held at Gettysburg, Sep
tember 12, 1909, the subject of a regimental history was
again discussed, and the following committee on regimental
history was appointed, viz : Brigadier General E. E. Wood,
Brevet Major J. W. DeWitt, Captain I. N. Grubb, Lieu
tenant H. G. Bonebrake, Sergeants J. A. Loose, Joseph E.
McCabe and Joseph C. Jones. H. P. Moyer was selected
historian. The committee was authorized and instructed to
publish a history, entitled "The History of the Seventeenth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry."

And now, after a lapse of forty-five years and more, hav
ing served as a company bugler and knowing but little of
what occurred outside of the author's company and regi
ment, and with nothing but a treacherous memory and a few
scattered records, the author is painfully conscious of the
many defects and errors which may be the natural conse
quences of hasty preparation. Several diaries of members
of the regiment were resurrected, however, and exhaustive
comparisons made with official records; and, while these
did not always agree in minor details, the author feels jus
tified in expressing the opinion that they are sufficiently
accurate and comprehensive to convey a reasonably authen
tic history of the valor and devotion to country and flag
of the gallant men who composed the regiment. The author
aims to tell the story of the services of the regiment from
the date of its muster, September i, 1862, until the date of
its muster out, June 16, 1865.

He aims to tell of its marches, skirmishes, battles, inci
dents and reminiscences, leaving, however, abundant oppor
tunity for fuller and 'more comprehensive histories or per
sonal recollections to fill in missing links. The work has

PREFACE

been, by no means, an easy task. It involved most arduous
research of voluminous official reports and correspondence;
but it has been accomplished with a degree of completeness
and accuracy which was hardly expected in the beginning.
A friend expressed surprise that the author should be able
to find the time necessary to perform so large an amount of
labor in addition to the demands of his already overtaxed
official duties. Deeply interested in the subject, the author
has given close attention to the presentation of facts sup
ported by personal experience rather than an attempted dis
play of rhetoric.

Although histories of the war and its campaigns have
been written by thousands, yet the history of the Rebellion
can never be transmitted fully to future generations. No
event has ever occurred in the history of the world of
greater magnitude than the War of the Rebellion, — a con
flict which has cost the United States of America over half
a million lives and ten billion dollars, including pensions and
war claims. This is an amount so fabulous that we can
hardly grasp it. Possibly, a more striking way to put it
would be to say, ten thousand million dollars. This amount,
according to the census of the United States of 1910, would
pay a dividend of over $100.00 to every man, woman and
child of the United States. The physical wrecks, blasted
hopes, ruined homes and other distresses that might be men
tioned make up another item that cannot be tabulated or
described; and, even if it could be described, the account
would be regarded in the light of braggadocio rather than
truthful statement. It was an enormous price that was paid
to preserve our government and keep every star on the
American flag. But who will say that we paid too much?
The conditions that obtained at that time made it necessary.

And I firmly believe that, if a similar emergency would
arise again, our present and future posterity would make
the same and even greater sacrifices to maintain and per
petuate the best government the world has ever known. In
the compilation of this history it would hardly be possible
to give the names of the many comrades of the regiment
who have rendered valuable assistance and encouragement

PREFACE

by contributing articles, papers, documents, and relating ex
periences which have been most helpful. Without such aid
this work would have been devoid of its true purpose. To
all such the author is under obligations, and takes this means
of expressing warmest thanks. With the hope that these
pages will not only be read with interest by the still surviv
ing Veterans of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry, but that their children may also read
them and know, for all time to come, what regiment their
fathers served in and the part they took in the suppression
of the Rebellion.

H. P. MOYER.
Lebanon, Pa., April I, 1911.

CONTENTS

PAGE

Appointment of History Committee 22

Colonel J. Q. Anderson ......: 81

A Few Incidents 307

Theodore W. Bean 112

Buglers and Bugle Calls 274"

Extracts from Diary of Lieutenant H. G. Bonebrake 135

Henry G. Bonebrake . . . : 155

Commanders 5

Lieutenant James Albert Clark 203

Capture of Major Gilmor and Captain Stump of Guerrilla

Fame 223

Complimentary Notices of the Regiment 367

Dedication 3

Dedication of the Monument 378

Colonel Coe Durland 90

Henry M. Donehoo 173

Extracts from Annals of the War 208

George W. Ferree 377

Isaac N. Grubb 180

Gordonsville Expedition 103

General P. H. Sheridan's Famous Ride 115

Grant's Final Campaign 310

How Sergeant J. E. McCabe Became One of General Sheri
dan's Scouts 219

Introduction 15

Itinerary of the Regiment 322

Joseph C. Jones 320

Kilpatrick's Richmond Raid 229

Josiah H. Kellogg 71

List of Illustrations 13

Experience of G. Frank Lidy 292

List of Engagements in which the Regiment Participated 370

Service Record of Private H. F. Long 282

CONTENTS

PAGE

Organization and Early History of the Regiment 25

Preface 7

Jacob Potter 408

President's Proclamation for 300,000 Volunteers 20

Reminiscences of Uriah R. Reinhold 127

Resolutions Authorizing Publication of History 24

Lieutenant John P. Ross 205

Recruits of the Regiment 287

Regimental Band 303

Review of the Regiment 390

Regimental Roster 409

Regimental Reunions 449

Report of History Committee 23

Sheridan's Richmond Raid 73

Sheridan's Trevilian Raid 84

Sheridan's James River Raid 294

Experience of Private A. Schockey 300

The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry in the Gettysburg- Cam
paign 55

Transfer of the Regiment from the Army of the Potomac to

the Army of the Shenandoah 94

Brevet Lieutenant-colonel William Thompson 100

The Medical Department of the Regiment 133

Through Confederate Prisons and Home Again 157

Two of General Sheridan's Scouts 176

Captain William Tice 178

The Making of a Volunteer Cavalryman 181

The Chaplain and His Work 263

The Battle of Cold Harbor 271

Two Personal Recollections 289

The Monument 372

Brigadier-general Edward E. Wood 120

Rev. Henry Wheeler, D.D 261

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

H. P. Moyer ist Frontispiece

Regimental Monument 2d Frontispiece

Horse Shoe 3d Frontispiece

OPPOSITE PAGE

J. Q. Anderson 81

Theo. W. Bean 112

H. G. Bonebrake 155

James A. Clark 203

J. Wilson DeWitt 133

H. M. Donehoo 173

Coe Durland 91

George W. Ferree 377

Isaac N. Grubb 180

Joseph C. Jones 320

Josiah H. Kellogg 71

G. Frank Lidy 292

Jacob A. Loose 271

Henry F. Long 282

Joseph E. McCabe 219

Medal of Honor 156

Monument and Group of Veterans 372

George D. Mullihan 223

Jacob Potter 408

John P. Ross 205

George T. Spettigue 289

William Thompson 100

William Tice 178

Rev. Henry Wheeler, D.D 261

Edward E. Wood ; 120

John H. Zinn 157

2 — 17th R.

INTRODUCTION

THE following introduction is the same as that used by
Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore W. Bean in his
"Roll of Honor of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry."

Among the regimental organizations of Sheridan's
Cavalry, that marched up Pennsylvania Avenue, May 23,
1865, in serried mass, to pass, perhaps for the last time,
before the distinguished reviewing officers that represented
our great Republic, none presented a more imposing ap
pearance than the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, or
One Hundred and Sixty-second of the Line of Pennsylvania
Volunteers. No regiment that passed in that memorable
column, before the admiring eyes of a grateful people, has
a nobler record to carry with them home to the patriotic
Executive, under whose auspices it was organized and con
stantly watched over while in the field, and to the loved
ones who patiently awaited its return, that they might wel
come the veteran patriots to the homes they left in the
darkest hour of our country's peril. They came into the
service of their country in response to the call of July I,
1862, for three years' volunteers; they came to fill the
depleted ranks resulting from the unfortunate Peninsular
campaign — and nobly they have done it.

Without the popular and fascinating encouragement of
excessive local and national bounties, they left their peace
ful and happy homes among the hills and valleys of their
mother State, and ofTered themselves a living sacrifice upon
the shrine of a loved and honored Republic. Aged fathers
and pious mothers bade farewell to their noblest sons.
Wives emulated the heroic example of their patriotic moth
ers during the Revolution of '76, and locked hands with
cherished sisters and lovely maidens, in waving a tearful
farewell — which, alas ! in many instances, was the last that
was to be given on earth — as they left each city, town, and
village, to join their destiny with the grand Army of the
Potomac. And, too, we cannot forget that it was at a

INTRODUCTION

period in the progress of this war when "cavalry" was at
a fearful discount — when it was said of them, that they
were the "contempt of the enemy and the terror of their
friends." Every veteran in the regiment can doubtless re
call the trifling importance attached to that arm of the
service during our first campaign in "Muddy Stafford." To
be driven in was to be branded as cowards ; to be captured
was equivalent to dismissal; and to be killed was a joke.
The uselessness, comparatively, of the cavalry at that period,
is not to be denied; but it arose chiefly from a most la
mentable want of skill and judgment in using it — fighting it
in small detachments, which the enemy could invariably
overcome by the most ordinary combinations. The "cavalry
fight" at Kelley's Ford, on the i/th of March, 1863, sug
gested, among other reasons, the necessity of massing it in
division and corps organizations, and putting in command
of it live generals. And from that time to the close of
the war, they have won for that arm of the service an im
perishable renown.

This regiment was brigaded in the month of January,
1863, m the Second Brigade of the First Cavalry Division
(Army of the Potomac), commanded then by Colonel, now
Brevet Major-general, Thomas C. Devin, and has never
been transferred during its term of three years. With this
brigade it has been identified with all the engagements dur
ing the campaigns of 1863, 1864, and 1865. Inscribed upon
its banners are the distinguishing battles of the war ; its gall
ant dead lay buried upon every field, from the Rappahannock
to the James, from Gettysburg to Appomattox Court House;
its mutilated heroes have carried sorrow and solicitude to a
thousand homes, and a score of its martyrs have been con
signed to unknown, though not unhonored, graves by the
murderous hand of imbruted prison masters, who sought,
by every cowardly and fiendish device that unparalleled de
pravity and wickedness could suggest, to destroy our la
mented comrades when powerless — whom they dared not
meet on a fair field, but to be vanquished.

Soldiers, you have triumphed! Under the eye of your
distinguished commanders, inspired by their genius and

INTRODUCTION

valor, you have marched to victory over a hundred battle
fields. True to your colors, true to the glittering steel that
has so often carried terror and dismay to the once haughty
and insolent, but now fairly vanquished, enemy, you retire
to the pursuits of civil life to share with your justly hon
ored commanders, as you did the perils and dangers of the
battle, the joy and blessing of a lasting and honorable peace.

You can recall with pride your experience at Chancel-
lorsville. Being at that time mere novices in the service,
you were placed in the most trying position, when the right
wing of the army was routed, and its ruin imminent. It was
your well-dressed lines, your glittering steel that shone like
the shimmering river upon the banks of which the fearful
contest was raging that awful night, that gave earnest proof
of your zeal and devotion to the cause in which you had
enlisted, and support and inspiration to the noble battery
that checked the last effort of Stonewall Jackson to gain
the road to United States Ford, with the loss of which the
reverse would have been irreparable.

At Beverly Ford, where but half-armed, you took the
line of battle with your more fortunate comrades, and
shared with them the dangers, as you did the achievements,
of the day.

At Gettysburg you were identified with the noble First
Division, led by the lamented Buford, which held at bay,
from early dawn until midnight, the Rebel hosts that were
concentrating upon us, and saved the glorious hills, at the
partial sacrifice of the town, on which was established finally
and forever the prowess and valor of the great American
army.

Where the tide of the great invasion was checked,
where our homes and firesides were freed from the scourge
of a traitorous foe, where the safety of our state and
national capital was secured, where the minions of secession
met the most sanguine repulse of the war, and the life of
the rebellion rendered, beyond all doubt, only a question of
time, in the pursuit that followed, at Williamsport, Boons-
borough, Falling Waters, Brandy Station and Racoon
Ford, you were ever at your post of duty. At the

INTRODUCTION

latter place, you left your horses under shelter and rushed
to the support of your brother comrades in arms (Fourth
New York Cavalry,) who were gallantly struggling against
fearful odds, and under a murderous fire of grape and can
ister from 'the enemy, saved them from capture, re-establish
ed the line, and held it until relieved by the Twelfth Army
Corps ; for which you received, as you deserved, the especial
commendation of the division commander. In the subse
quent movements of the same year when the wily Rebel chief
proposed to flank the Army of the Potomac, and thus gain
possession of the capital, history will accord to the regiment
an honorable association with the commands that beat back
his advance at Morton's Ford, Stephensburg, Brandy Sta
tion, and Oak Hill, where holding the extreme left of the
line, you skillfully changed front as a distinctive organiza
tion by direction of your immediate commander, anticipating
a well intended surprise, and repulsing with heavy loss, a
reckless charge of cavalry, for which the enemy at that
time were notorious. In the counter movements of the
campaign, closing with the battle of Bealton Station and
Rickseyville, the occupation of the line on the Rapidan and
the indecisive engagement at Mine Run, the regiment was
present bearing its share of the toils and sustaining its pro
portion of losses, and, with the command, went into winter
quarters on the battle-beaten plains of Culpepper. Resting
until the following spring, on the 4th of May, 1864, you
bade farewell to the rude huts and houses that had kindly
sheltered you from the piercing blasts of a bitter winter,
and with the brave one hundred thousand strong, marched
upon the boasted line of strength that had for three sue-
cessive campaigns defied and baffled the best efforts of the
nation.

The bloody battles of the Wilderness were fought, but
not without you. Among the forty thousand killed and
wounded of the conflict, you were mournfully represented
by our dead and suffering wounded. These battles fought,
this line taken, the new position secured, you started under
the eagle eye of "Cavalry Sheridan" to raid the enemy's rear,
cut his communications and threaten his capital. Let the

INTRODUCTION

midnight conflagration at Beaver Dam Station, the death
of Stuart, the rout of his horsemen, the capture of the fa
mous battery of "Baltimore Lights," the distant tolling bells
that betrayed the alarm of the officials and fears of an ex
cited populace in Richmond, with the hazardous night picket
of the Seventeenth, placed in the very streets of the town,
tell how rigidly the orders were executed. And, too, let
not the veteran forget how coolly he construed the exploding
torpedoes of the enemy into the welcome sounds of signal
guns from our supposed approaching friends, but which
morning betrayed as the novel means adopted by the enemy
to insure our destruction. Then followed in rapid suc
cession the engagements of Hanovertown, Haws Shop, Cold
Harbor, and Trevillian Station, and our subsequent return
to the Army of the Potomac to find it besieging the city of
Richmond.

The demonstration of the Rebel Early on the upper Po
tomac, caused the embarkation of the command with other
troops for the defence of the capital, and prosecution of the
Valley campaign which followed. No nobler and more
chivalrous deeds will be recorded in the history of this war
than those performed by the cavalry in this brilliant cam
paign, which ended in the capture and dispersion of the
entire Rebel army under Early. This desirable result open
ed the way and suggested the opportunity for the famous
raid to James River Canal via the White House to the lines
in front of Petersburg, and, without doubt, hastened the
operations commencing at Five Forks and closing with the
surrender of Lee and his army at Appomattox Court House-

Soldiers, through these fiery and bloody campaigns you
have ridden. You can look back upon them with pride and
honor to yourselves and families, and review with pleasure
and advantage your experience and associations in army
life; and as you look back upon a lifetime crowded into
the space of a few years by the force, importance, and
magnitude of events, your pleasure will be enhanced to
know that in no engagement, during no campaign, has your
regiment betrayed the confidence of its commanders in the
field ; or, if possible, its more cherished friends at home.

THE PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION FOR

THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND

MORE TROOPS.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, JULY i, 1862.

To the Governors of Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont,
Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia,
Michigan, Tennessee, Missouri, Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois, and
Wisconsin, and the President of the Military Board of Ken
tucky:

GENTLEMEN :

Fully concurring in the wisdom of the views expressed to me in
so patriotic a manner by you in the communication of the 28th day
of June, I have decided to call into the service an additional force
of 300,000 men. I suggest and recommend that the troops should

be chiefly of infantry. The quota of your State would be

men. I trust that they may be enrolled without delay, so as to
bring this unnecessary and injurious civil war to a speedy and satis
factory conclusion. An order fixing the quota of the respective
States will be issued by the War Department tomorrow.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

Under the above call the State of Pennsylvania was asked
to furnish 45,321 men. On July 4, 1862, the Governor of
Pennsylvania, Andrew G. Curtin, sent the following message
to the President which was received at 9 a. m. of the same
day, viz:

HARRISBURG, JULY 4, 1862.
Abraham Lincoln, President:

Your dispatch received. Everything possible will be done in this
State to meet the demands of the Government for additional troops
in the present emergency, and with the utmost promptness. We
will require at least 30,000 men to supply the losses of our regiments
now in the field. We are not informed as to the number of new
regiments you will ask from this State. No doubt we will get the
information from the Secretary of War, and of enlistments and
inducements by bounties, advances of pay, etc. I suggest that if the
enlistments were made for a shorter time, say six months, it would
greatly increase our numbers and hasten the formation of regi
ments. Have the kindness to mention the subject to Mr. Stanton,
and I will not telegraph him.

A. G. CURTIN.
20

PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION

Recruiting stations were at once established in the most
prominent centers of the State and, during the following
three months, 30,891 men were mustered into the service
from the State of Pennsylvania. Among the number who
so patriotically responded to this call were the 1,200 men
who composed the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry, which won the proud distinction of hav
ing been one of the best regiments furnished by the great
and loyal State of Pennsylvania.

APPOINTMENT OF HISTORY
COMMITTEE

At the reunion held at Gettysburg, September 17, 1909,
of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cav
alry Association, General E. E. Wood, Brevet Major J. W.
DeWitt, Captain Isaac N. Grubb, Lieutenant H. G. Bone-
brake, Sergeants Joseph E. McCabe, J. A. Loose
and Joseph C. Jones were appointed a committee to assist
the historian in the compilation of a regimental history,
entitled "The History of the Seventeenth Regiment, Penn
sylvania Volunteer Cavalry," and to make a report at the
next annual reunion.

REPORT OF HISTORY COMMITTEE

To the Members of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsyl
vania Volunteer Cavalry Association:

COMRADES :

We, your committee appointed to assist the historian in
the compilation of a regimental history of the Seventeenth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, beg leave to
report that, since the last reunion, some three hundred pages
of manuscript for the history have been prepared. The
material has been principally gleaned from official reports,
diaries, complimentary notices of the regiment, contribu
tions from members of the regiment of incidents that have
occurred in camp, on the march and on the field of battle,
and extracts from Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore W.
Bean's "Roll of Honor of the Seventeenth Regiment, Penn
sylvania Volunteer Cavalry." Company rosters and indi
vidual service records have been taken from the history of
Samuel P. Bates, Pennsylvania's great war historian and
author of "Pennsylvania's Volunteers — 1861-1865." All of
which have been carefully verified by official records, and,
we believe, are sufficiently reliable to convey a reasonably
authentic record of the service the regiment rendered dur
ing the War of the Rebellion. All of which is respectfully
submitted.

E. E. WOOD,

J. W. DEWlTT,

I. N. GRUBB,
J. E. McCABE,

H. G. BONEBRAKE,

J. A. LOOSE,
J. C. JONES,

Committee.
Gettysburg, Pa., September 26, 1910.

RESOLUTIONS AUTHORIZING PUBLICA
TION OF THE HISTORY

Resolved, That the manuscript and data submitted by the
regimental historian, Comrade H. P. Moyer, for the com
pilation of a regimental history, and which are endorsed by
the committee appointed to examine the same, be and the
same are hereby approved.

Resolved, That the officers and publication committee of
the association are hereby instructed and directed to present
the same, together with such additions and amendments as
the historian or publication committee may deem proper, to
the Governor of the Commonwealth, the Adjutant General
and the Auditor General of the State, and to proceed with
the publication of the same.

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY OF
THE REGIMENT.

WHEN the President of the United States, on July i,
1862, issued his proclamation for 300,000 volunteers,
he requested the Governor of Pennsylvania to furnish three
regiments of cavalry. Up to this time the War Department
seemed to have had little use for the cavalry, and to regard
them as of little value except for escort and messenger ser
vice. It was only after the Rebel General J. E. B. Stuart
had demonstrated, by his dashing cavalry raids, what could
be accomplished by large bodies of mounted troops, that the
authorities at Washington paid much attention to the cav
alry branch of the army. To compete with the well organ
ized Confederate cavalry, the military authorities at Wash
ington were compelled to place at least an equal number of
mounted troops in the field. Hence the request for three
regiments of cavalry.

The Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cav
alry, was the second of the three regiments that responded
to this call. The author heard ex-Governor Andrew G. Cur-
tin say at a reunion of the survivors of the regiment, held
at the Battlefield Hotel, Gettysburg, that he had been very
anxious that these three regiments should be composed of
the best horsemen that the State could produce. Recruiting
officers were instructed to confine themselves principally to
rural districts. Hence a large majority of the men who
composed the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry
were farmers, lumbermen and mechanics, and, fortunately,
most of them were good horsemen. The counties that re
sponded to this call, with temporary organizations, which
later became identified with the regiment, were: Beaver,
Susquehanna, Lancaster, Bradford, Lebanon, Cumberland,
Franklin, Schuylkill, Perry, Luzerne, Montgomery, Chester
and Wayne. As these organizations reported to the Gov
ernor for service, they were rendezvoused in Camp Sim
mons, adjoining Camp Curtin, at Harrisburg. The work of
effecting permanent company organizations and mustering

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

the men into the service of the United States was only a
question of a short time. The formation of the regiment
was as follows :

Company A — Captain D. M. Donnehoo, Beaver County.

Company B — Captain D. E. Whitney, Susquehanna
County.

Company C — Captain W. H. Spera, Lancaster County.

Company D — Captain C. H. Ames, Bradford County.

Company E — Captain William Tice, Lebanon County.

Company F — Captain Charles Lee, Cumberland County.

Company G — Captain L. D. Kurtz, Franklin County.

Company H — Captain William Thompson, Schuylkill
County.

Company I — Captain J. B. McCallister, Perry County and
City of Philadelphia.

Company K — Captain R. Fitzgerald, Luzerne County.

Company L — Captain D. B. Hartranft, Montgomery and
Chester Counties.

Company M — Captain Coe Durland, Wayne County.

On the eighteenth day of October, 1862, a regimental or
ganization was effected and the following officers were
elected:

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

Josiah H. Kellogg, Colonel, U. S. Army.

John B. McCallister, Lieutenant-colonel.

David B. Hartranft, 1

Coe Durland, v Majors.

Reuben R. Reinhold, )

Isaac Walborn, Major and Surgeon.

Perry J. Tate, First Lieutenant and Adjutant.

John Anglun, First Lieutenant and Quartermaster.

Henry M. Donnehoo, First Lieutenant and Commissary.

James B. Moore, First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon.

H. A. Wheeler, Captain and Chaplain.

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

Jerome I. Stanton, Sergeant Major.
Thomas H. Boyd, Quartermaster Sergeant.

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

John A. English, Commissary Sergeant.
Samuel M. Drew, Veterinary Sergeant.
Henry J. Tarble, Hospital Steward.
Thomas Lawrence, Saddler.
James Hyde, Chief Bugler.
Jonathan M. Darrow, Farrier.

Because of the daily arrival of new organizations, Camp
Simmons became much congested, and the regiment, on No
vember 10, 1862, left Camp Simmons, and for the first
time, as an organization, marched in a body about one mile
north of Harrisburg, establishing its first regimental camp
— Camp McClellan. In this camp horses, sabres and horse
equipments were issued, and the active duties of the soldier
commenced.

Colonel Josiah H. Kellogg was an entire stranger to both
the officers and men of the regiment. He held a commission
as captain in the First United States Cavalry, and was, by
permission, assigned to the command of the regiment. He
was a most thorough tactician and a strict disciplinarian, and
at once put forth strenuous efforts to perfect the discipline
of the regiment. Drill, drill, drill, drill was now the order
over and over again. Drill by squads ! drill by company !
drill by squadron ! and drill by regiment ! Then there were
dress parades, guard, fatigue and other camp duties of vari
ous kinds, which kept the men almost constantly employed.
At first these drills and camp duties were cheerfully ac
cepted by the men, but soon they became monotonous and
were regarded by some as superfluous and unnecessary.

But the colonel evidently knew the value and importance
of thorough training and good discipline, and, being an ex
cellent drill-master himself, he soon brought the regiment
to the high standard of proficiency for which it was noted
during its entire service. Those drills — will they ever be
forgotten by those who participated in them? No, as long
as memory will serve us, we will remember them. Many
of the horses we had received had never been ridden before.
There was rearing and kicking, running and jumping, lying
down and falling down, men thrown by their horses, kicked

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

and getting hurt in various ways. There was crowding in
the ranks, getting out of place and striving to get back into
place again, pushing forward and hanging back, some any
old way but the right way. All sorts of mishaps occurred,
which caused a great deal of discomfort and amusement at
times. But by patience, continued effort and practice, these
difficulties rapidly disappeared and both men and horses
soon acquired a knowledge of the art military characteristic
of professionals. Then there were dismounted drills, sabre
drills, carbine drills, revolver drills, and various other drills.
Considerable stress was given to the sabre drill, that being
the chief weapon used when on duty, dress parade and re
view occasions.

The colonel established a school of instruction, and the
officers were obliged to make themselves thoroughly ac
quainted with the tactics and other military duties. Those
who failed to do so, had but a short stay with the regiment.
The discipline of our first camp was very strict. Possibly
not too strict from a military standpoint. But some of the
men considered it too strict for convenience, especially when
off duty. They could hardly see the need of remaining in
camp so closely when there were opportunities of comfort
and enjoyment outside. Because of the strict enforcement
of the rules and regulations prescribed by the commanding
officer and because of the many attractions of a social char
acter in the city of Harrisburg so near the camp, the run
ning of the camp guard was often practiced successfully and
many were the stories told of narrow escapes from arrest.
Of course occasionally some would fall into the hands of
the patrol and had to suffer the consequences. Lest the
criticisms of those who ran the guard might be too severe,
permit me to say, they generally performed their duties in
camp just as faithfully and cheerfully as those who were
not guilty of such violations. As they were quite certain
that soon the pleasure of seeing their friends would be be
yond their reach, who will blame them for such irregular
ities? Instead of censuring them, now that it is all past,
may they not rather be considered as having had the daring
spirit calculated to make brave soldiers? But our stay in

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

Camp McClellan, like that at Camp Simmons, was of but
short duration.

We were now expecting orders every day to be called to
the front. We did not have to wait long, for, on the 25th
day of November, 1862, we left Camp McClellan for Wash
ington, D. C. The regiment was transported to Baltimore,
Md., by railroad, the horses in regular cattle cars, while the
men were crowded into box cars, without seats or bunks.
Here the men for the first time keenly realized the marked
distinction between the officers and the enlisted men. The
officers were furnished passenger coaches, while the
enlisted men were obliged to ride in box cars. The trip was
made during the night and we had no lights. We also suf
fered considerable discomfort from cold. Thus we passed
the live-long night huddled together in a lot of freight cars
that no doubt had many times carried less valuable animals
to the slaughter house. At Baltimore the regiment disem
barked and, after a fairly substantial breakfast, by com
panies, at the Soldiers' Relief Association, the horses were
removed from the cars, and the regiment paraded through
the principal streets of the city. Later in the day we em
barked again, this time, however, in passenger coaches, for
Washington, D. C., arriving there early next morning. Here
we again disembarked and were served with luncheon at the
Soldiers' Retreat. After unloading our horses and camp
equipage, we marched through some of the most prominent
streets of the city, and then went into camp for several days
on East Capitol Hill. This being the first visit to the na
tional capital for most of the men, and the stay being only
temporary, the discipline of the camp was less rigid than in
Camp McClellan, and the men were given an opportunity
to visit places of interest and amusement.

We were now at the headquarters of our government
from whence emanated the laws that governed forty mil
lions of people, — the seat of the most liberal government the
world has yet known. Knowing it to be the capital of our
great nation, the author had pictured to himself a city full
of marble palaces and flowing fountains. In this he was
sadly disappointed. The capitol in itself was a magnificent

3— 17th R.

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

marble structure ; the Smithsonian Institute, a fine resort for
the public; the White House and some other government
buildings, gorgeous and beautiful, but the city of that day,
as a whole, impressed me as unworthy the great nation it
represented.

After a few days' sojourn in the city of Washington, the
regiment received orders to march overland to join the Army
of the Potomac. After receiving our little shelter tents,
better known as "dog tents," we said good-by to the nation's
capital, passed over the famous Long Bridge into Virginia,
and encamped for the first time on Confederate soil, at Ar
lington Heights, in full view of the Confederate General
Robert E. Lee's residence, where we pitched our "dog
tents" for the first time. If a bird's-eye view of that camp
could be produced today it would no doubt be one of the
rare curiosities of the Civil War.

Orders were now issued to the regiment to send home all
surplus baggage and to reduce our camp equipage to strict
army regulations. Four days' rations and forage were issu
ed, all the sick and disabled were sent to the hospital, and,
on the 2ist day of December, 1862, the regiment started on
its march to join the Army of the Potomac. About noon
we reached the town of Alexandria, where the Rebel flag so
long waved in the very sight of the capitol at Washington,
ite displacement costing the life of the brave Colonel Elmer
E. Ellsworth. We passed through the place in silence, and
saw, from only one house, the American flag displayed. The
night of the 2ist day of December, 1862, was spent on the
George Washington Estate, near the village of Accotink.
The country here looked poor, the roads bad, the inhabitants
few and far between, and this within a day's march from
the capital of the nation, and only about one mile from the
former residence of the Father of his Country.

On December 22, 1862, we reached the town of Occo-
quan, Virginia, where we met Hampton's Legion of the
Rebel cavalry, then raiding in the rear of the Army of the
Potomac. After a sharp skirmish, the Rebel cavalry was
driven off and we went into camp for the night. Here we
did our first picket duty in the enemy's country. No camp

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

fires were allowed during the night. There was a strong,
cold wind, and to sit quietly on a horse on picket duty for
two hours at a time, was a new experience. Orders were
issued to those who were not on picket duty to be ready to re
spond to any emergency call that might be made. Fortunately
no emergency arose and no call was made. The following day
was devoted to reconnoitering, trying to find the enemy
who had intercepted our march the day before. Although
we had evidences that we were on their trail, we failed to
discover them. Returning to Occoquan, we virtually occu
pied the same camp we had occupied the night before, and
again did picket duty. It was freely rumored that the Rebel
cavalry were still in the vicinity of Occoquan, threatening
communication between Washington and the Army of the
Potomac. Companies C, D and I, with Major Reuben R.
Reinhold in command, were ordered to remain at Occoquan
as a reserve for the purpose of keeping open the line of com
munication, while the balance of the regiment continued the
march to the front.

After the other nine companies of the regiment had left,
Hampton's Legion returned to Occoquan, in superior num
bers to those under command of Major Reinhold. Several
attacks by these mountain rangers were repulsed and a num
ber of prisoners taken. On December 27, 1862, Major
Reinhold's command was relieved from further duty at
Occoquan and ordered to join the regiment, which, in the
meantime, had advanced to near Stafford Court House, Vir
ginia.

On the way to join the regiment, when in the vicinity of
Neabsco Creek, Major Reinhold received word that the
enemy had intercepted him, that an attack had been made at
Dumfries, and that a column of Rebel cavalry and artillery
was moving on the Telegraph Road to Occoquan. He imme
diately countermarched, and, taking a position on the
heights, on the north bank of the Occoquan Creek, success
fully foiled every attempt of the enemy to cross. On the
following morning, having been reinforced by a detachment
of the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, Major Reinhold cross
ed the stream to reconnoiter and, falling in with General J.

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

E. B. Stuart's command, made an attack, but was overpow
ered, obliged to retire, and to recross the creek. It was not
until January 5, 1863, that Major Reinhold's command re
joined the regiment near Stafford Court House.

On this, our first engagement with the enemy, Colonel
Josiah H. Kellogg, commanding the regiment, made the fol
lowing official report :

COLONEL MYSENBERG, ADJUTANT GENERAL, ELEVENTH CORPS.
Camp near Stafford Court House, Va.,

DECEMBER 27, 1862.
Colonel :

In accordance with instructions from Headquarters, Eleventh
Army Corps, I have the honor to report that on Thursday the i8th
of December, 1862, in compliance with Special Orders from Head
quarters Defenses of Washington, I marched with my command
from the end of Long Bridge, opposite Washington, D. C., to join
this army. Having been informed by the commanding officer of the
detachment of Second Pennsylvania Cavalry doing duty at Acco-
tink, Va., that his pickets extended to the river at Occoquan, I was
marching at the head of my column long enough only to send for
ward an advance guard and flankers and then pushed on to the
river. When I reached it I found the ferry boat sunk, and the
enemy's carbineers, who occupied the town on the other side, made
the road to the ferry very warm. As it was impossible to cross
here, I withdrew my men around the bend of the road, out of fire.
The enemy had been busy up to the time I arrived at the spot in
ferrying over the river a government train and some sutlers' wagons.
The presence of my command saved the wagons, which had not
yet been crossed, consisting of nine government wagons and three
sutlers' wagons, making in all twelve wagons.

Not knowing the country, and depending on a guide (Mr. Stiles,
furnished the command at Alexandria by General Slough), I lost
some time, unavoidably, in finding out Snyder's Ford. I would say
here that the guide, Mr. Stiles, by his own carelessness in going
ahead of the command without any permission whatever, was cap
tured by the enemy at the river. Leaving part of my command on
the ferry road, I moved with the rest of the command up to Sny
der's Ford, drove in the enemy's pickets stationed there and tried to
cut off his rear. On account of not knowing the country and roads,
and my regiment being so new, never having been drilled and hav
ing had their arms only three or four days before we left Washing
ton, I could not effect as much as I might have done with older men,
besides, there was not a carbine in the regiment and consequently, in
a wooded country, I was obliged to move carefully.

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

I scouted the country in all directions some five or six miles and
my advance guard ran into the enemy's rear guard, at about dark,
on the road from Occoquan to Dumfries. The enemy were then
retreating at a gallop. As soon as it was quite dark, I deemed it
advisable to recross the river and go into camp, starting out six
hundred men at daylight the next morning to Maple Valley, Wolf
Run, Shoals Ford and in the direction of Brentsville. The country
was thoroughly scoured, but I could find nothing of the enemy.
The enemy burned one of the government wagons in the town of
Occoquan, and, but for the delay consequent on losing my guide,
I would have been able to save more of them. In reference to the
number and part of our cavalry (Tenth New York) captured, I
know nothing about them from observation, but it was reported to
me that the picket was taken at or near Neabsco, half-way between
Occoquan and Dumfries, and that it consisted of a lieutenant and
thirty men of the Tenth New York Cavalry. It was also reported
to me that five men of the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry were cap
tured at the ferry.

The officers and men of this command behaved very well; in
fact better than could be expected. In all that I did I consulted
with Colonel Rush of the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, who hap
pened to be with me with one hundred of his men.

I am, Colonel, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

JOSIAH H. KELLOGG,
Colonel, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry.

OUR EXPERIENCE IN MUDDY STAFFORD.

Immediately upon the arrival of the regiment with the
Army of the Potomac, it was assigned to the Second Bri
gade, First Division of the Cavalry Corps, and had for its
immediate associates the Sixth New York, Sixth United
States and Eighth Pennsylvania. Shortly after this forma
tion, the Ninth New York was substituted for the Sixth
United States and Eighth Pennsylvania. After these changes
the Second Brigade, First Division of the Cavalry Corps,
was composed of the Sixth and Ninth New York and the
Seventeenth Pennsylvania, commanded by Colonel Thomas
C Devin, of the Sixth New York. Later the Fourth New
York was attached to the brigade. With this organization
the regiment was continuously identified until the close of
the war. Early in the month of January, 1863, the regiment
was assigned to picket duty in the vicinity of Stafford Court

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

House, thus becoming the extreme rear picket line of the
Army of the Potomac; and because of the almost constant
raiding of the Rebel cavalry and bushwhacking in the rear
of General Hooker's army, the men were required to be al
most continuously in the saddle. It was nothing unusual to
hear the call of "Boots and Saddles" almost any hour of
the night, and those of the regiment who were not on duty
would be rushed, with all possible haste, to some reserve
picket post that had been attacked during the night. Then,
too, sometimes such night calls were planned by the colonel,
for the purpose of testing the readiness of the men to re
spond quickly to unexpected calls.

Many incidents might be recorded which occurred during
these hurry calls. "What's up now?" "Where are we go
ing?" "Where are the Rebels?" "Jim, where are my boots?"
"Tom, you have my coat on." "Sam, you have my bridle on
your horse," are specimen expressions. I recall an instance
where a man in his excitement placed the saddle hind end
foremost on his horse, and only discovered his error when
we were ordered to mount. To add to the confusion, the
orderly sergeant would shout "Fall in, Company E." Then
the officers would appear upon the scene, urging the men in
line. Then here comes an orderly from headquarters that
the captain report with his company immediately. Such
scrambling for sabres, carbines, revolvers and other equip
ments can perhaps better be imagined than described. And
then, too, imagine the feeling of the men, after such an ex
perience, to be marched back to camp again and learn that
the whole thing was only a ruse.

On February 10, 1863, one of our picket posts,
about three miles from camp, in charge of Lieutenant P. A.
English, and sixteen men of Company A was attacked at
night by guerrillas. While a few vedettes were placed to
watch the approach of the enemy, the rest of the men were
gathered around a small campfire. It was a dark night, and
rain and sleet were falling, making the night dismal and
gloomy. About thirty men of the guerrillas had left their
horses a short distance from the reserve post, eluded the
outpost and stealthily got between the vedettes and the re-

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

serve undiscovered. All of a sudden one of the guerrillas
shouted "Now, boys, give them hell." Two of our men
were shot dead and one wounded. Lieutenant English was
the only man who escaped to tell the story of what occurred.
The lieutenant was wounded and put on a horse with one of
the Rebels. The saddle turning, they were dismounted. In
the act of readjusting the saddle, being in the woods and the
night being dark, the lieutenant was able to escape.
All the rest, except those killed, were carried off by the guer
rillas.

No command was given to surrender. Such conduct can
not be regarded in any other light than midnight murder.
The following day the regiment scoured the country for
miles, but failed to discover the murderers. The bodies of
the two men killed were brought to camp, placed in coffins
made of old boxes and sent to their friends in Beaver Coun
ty, Pa.

On another occasion, two men were ordered to proceed to
a certain house and inquire if any Rebel soldiers had been
seen in the vicinity. "Not any," was the reply. The men
seeing a colored boy not far away, approached him, thinking
he might be more truthful. "Oh, yes," said he, "there are
some upstairs in massa's house now." They returned to the
house and, while in the act of going upstairs, both men were
fired upon and killed. A search for the men resulted in find
ing them dead. The building was burned and the family
made prisoners. It was the colored boy who, when ques
tioned, told how the soldiers were killed and how their assas
sins then ran away.

On February 14, 1863, the regiment was relieved and we
moved our camp to near Acquia Church. This was a beau
tiful place, located on high ground in a fine oak grove. The
church building had the following inscription: "Built A. D.
1751. Destroyed by fire, 1754. Rebuilt, 1757." The citi
zens in the vicinity claimed that Washington, Lafayette and
other great men of Revolutionary times had worshipped in
this chapel. During our short stay at this beautiful spot
several religious services were held in this church in charge
of our regimental chaplain, Rev. Henry Wheeler. The build-

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

ing being only a small one, it was crowded by the members
of the regiment every time services were held.

It was estimated that the regiment, during that winter,
lost more men by death and disability, on account of the cold
weather and insufficient means of protection, than during
any subsequent period in its history. The weather was ex
tremely cold, and big snow storms were the rule rather than
the exception. The men suffered greatly during their stay
in "Muddy Stafford." It was an experience that will never
be forgotten by those who were there.

On the i8th of February, 1863, Companies C and I of
the regiment, under command of Captain W. H. Spera, were
ordered to escort duty with General George G. Meade, com
manding the Fifth Corps, where they remained until after
the battle of Chancellorsville and during the engagement
were kept busy in the transmission of orders.

PRESIDENT LINCOLN REVIEWS THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Preparatory to the opening of the spring campaign, on
the sixth day of April, 1863, President Lincoln reviewed the
Army of the Potomac. The various commands were assem
bled on the plains in the vicinity of Falmouth early in the
morning; and, after a tedious wait, later in the day, the vari
ous commands were reviewed by the President of the Unit
ed States and their illustrious commander, General Joseph
Hooker, commanding the Army of the Potomac. The re
cently organized Cavalry Corps was about ten thousand
strong. General George Stoneman, the corps commander,
accompanied by his staff, took his position at the centre of
the line, facing the front. Soon President Lincoln and Gen
eral Joseph Hooker, with their staffs, and a large retinue of
distinguished officers and guests, approached. The Presi
dent was dressed in citizen's clothes, wore a large silk hat,
and was mounted on a fine bay horse, while General Joseph
Hooker wore the regulation uniform and was mounted on
a spirited white horse. They rode up to General George
Stoneman, who was then introduced to the President and
took him in charge to review his corps. That review made
a lasting impression upon the author's mind. He imagines

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

that he can see it all pass before him now as President Lin
coln and Generals Hooker and Stoneman start off at a gal
lop, with about three hundred attendants, first to the right
of the line, then along the whole front to the left and thence
to the reviewing stand. General Stoneman now leaves the
President, and with his staff again takes his position in the
centre of the line, facing the corps, and gives the command
to pass in review. The long line of cavalry now breaks into
column of companies and, with General Stoneman at the
head, marches past the reviewing stand, presenting sabre as
each company passes the stand. This was a notable day in
the history of the regiment and the men were greatly en
thused.

CHANCELLORSVILLE.

While the battle of Chancellorsville was being fought the
entire Cavalry Corps, with the exception of the Seventeenth
and Eighth Pennsylvania and the Sixth New York, were
dispatched under Generals William W. Averill and George
Stoneman, to cut the enemy's communications, and harass
his rear. These three regiments were moved with the col
umns of General Hooker on the Chancellorsville campaign
and were assigned as follows : The Eighth Pennsylvania to
the Fifth Corps; the Seventeenth Pennsylvania to the
Eleventh Corps; and the Sixth New York to the Twelfth
Corps. On the 2d day of May, 1863, the Seventeenth Penn
sylvania Cavalry was sent out the old Plank Road to pro
tect Hooker's right flank. During the afternoon large
clouds of dust indicated a heavy movement of troops in
their front, which fact, the author is reliably informed, was
repeatedly reported to headquarters; but, before General
Hooker's lines could be readjusted and a sufficient number
of troops placed in position to meet the Rebel General
"Stonewall" Jackson's flanking assault, the entire Eleventh
Corps of Hooker's army was pushed back and was in full
retreat, with no available reserve to stay the attack. At the
juncture, General Alfred Pleasonton, who had been out
in advance of the line on the centre, supporting General
Daniel A. Sickles then demonstrating upon General "Stone-

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

wall" Jackson's flank and rear, happened to be returning
with the Eighth and Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry to
wards the centre and had reached the breastworks, just as
hordes of Jackson's troops, who were pursuing the routed
Eleventh Corps troops, were approaching that part of the
field. Divining the condition of affairs, General Pleasonton
ordered Major Keenan of the Eighth Pennsylvania to charge
the assault of the enemy. Well he knew that the execution
of the order would involve the sacrifice of that gallant regi
ment. But it was necessary to check the Rebel onslaught,
and thus gain time to bring his horse artillery into position,
and interpose some more effectual barrier. Brigadier Gen
eral Alfred Pleasonton, in his official report on the battle of
Chancellorsville, under date of May u, 1860, says:

"I immediately ran up, this battery of mine at a gallop,
put it into position, ordered it unlimbered and double shotted
with canister, and directed the men to aim at the ground
line of the parapet, that the Eleventh Corps had thrown up,
about two hundred yards off. Our artillery as a general
rule, overshoots, and I ordered them to fire low, because the
shot would ricochet. I then set to work with two squadrons
of the remaining regiment (the Seventeenth Pennsylvania)
to clear this field of fugitives, and to stop what cannon and
ammunition we could and put them in position ; and I manag
ed to get twenty-two guns loaded, double shotted and aimed
on this space in front of us for about a quarter or half
mile, when the whole woods appeared alive with large bodies
of men. This was just at dusk. I was going to give the
word "fire," for I had ordered those pieces not to fire unless
I gave the word, because I wanted the effect of an immense
shock. There was an immense body of men, and I wanted
the whole weight of the metal to check them. I was about
to give the word "fire" when one of the soldiers at a piece
said 'General, that is our flag.' I said to one of my aids,
'Mr. Thompson, ride forward there at once and let me know
what flag that is.' He went to within about one hundred
yards, and those people cried out : 'Come on, we are friends'.
He started to move on, when the whole line of woods blazed
with musketry, and they commenced leaping over the para-

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

pet, and charged on the guns ; and, at about the same time, I
saw from eight to ten Rebel battle-flags run up along the
whole line. I immediately gave orders to "fire" ; and the
fire actually swept the men away. It seemed to blow those
men in front clear over the parapet. We had this fight be
tween musketry and artillery there for nearly an hour. At
one time they got within fifty yards of the guns.

"There were two squadrons of the Seventeenth Pennsyl
vania left. This regiment I had was composed of raw men,
new troops, and all I could do was to make a show. I had
them formed in single line, with sabres drawn with orders
to charge in case the enemy came to the guns. They sat
on their horses in rear of the guns, and I have no doubt
that the Rebels took them for the head of a heavy column,
as the country sloped back behind them, and they could
not see what was back of them. The coolness displayed by
the Seventeenth Regiment in rallying fugitives, and sup
porting the batteries (including Marten's) which repulsed
the enemy's attack under Jackson, on the evening of May 2,
1863, has excited the highest admiration."

Considering that this was really the first baptism of blood
for the regiment, the heroic manner in which it met the
mad assault of Stonewall Jackson's army by a single line
of cavalry, virtually with no support, certainly reflected
great credit upon the regiment. It was a trying position,
but the firm front presented, saved the day, and enabled
General Hooker to reform his shattered troops, and once
more present an unbroken line. Later in the evening, Gen
eral Sickles' Corps came up, took position in support of the
guns, and relieved the regiment.

The following extracts are taken from the official report
of Colonel Thomas C. Devin, Sixth New York Cavalry, com
manding Second Brigade, under date of May 12, 1863: "I
have the honor to submit the following report of the opera
tions of this brigade during the recent engagements :

"On the morning of April 28th, in compliance with orders
from division headquarters, I broke camp at Potomac
Bridge, and moved with my command to Grove Church, on
the Morrisville Road. I established my headquarters at that

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

point, and immediately dispatched parties to scour the
country, arrest all citizens met with, and watch the river
from Banks' Ford to the Rappahannock Bridge. A number
of citizens were arrested, and confined in Grove Church
until the passage of the army across the river had been as
sured.

"On the evening of the 28th, I was ordered to send the
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry to report to General
Howard, and to withdraw my pickets and concentrate the
rest of the brigade in the neighborhood of Mount Holly
Church; also to furnish guides (acquainted with the
country) to the columns of Generals Howard and Meade.

"I was unable to concentrate the Eighth Pennsylvania
(then picketing on the extreme left) until 3 a. m., when I
marched to Mount Holly Church. On arriving near that
point, I found the Sixth New York had been ordered to
the advance of General Slocum's column, while the Eighth
Pennsylvania had been ordered to report to General Meade.
I was directed to march with that command.

"The brigade was thus distributed, as follows : The
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Colonel Kellogg in com
mand, in advance of the Eleventh Army Corps; the Sixth
New York Cavalry, Lieutenant-colonel McVicar in com
mand, in advance of the Twelfth Army Corps; the Eighth
Pennsylvania Cavalry, Major Huey in command, and one
troop First Michigan Cavalry, in advance of the Fifth Army
Corps.

"The Sixth New York operated under the direction of
Brigadier General Pleasonton, commanding the First Ca
valry Division, until the arrival of the corps at Cha.ncellors-
ville ; the Eighth Pennsylvania under the direction of Colonel
Thomas C. Devin, commanding the Second Brigade, First
Cavalry Division, until the morning of May ist.

SEVENTEENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY.

"By referring to the report of Colonel Kellogg, com
manding the Seventeenth Pennsylvania, I find that his regi
ment was the first to cross the pontoon bridge at Kelly's
Ford on the night of the 28th, when he immediately scouted

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

the country to the front, toward Culpepper, for some miles,
finding but few of the enemy, who, being dismounted, re
tired into the woods.

"The regiment then picketed the roads to the front, and at
daylight again scouted toward Culpepper some three miles,
where it was met by a force of the enemy, consisting of
about three hundred cavalry, one section of artillery, and
some infantry.

"The regiment was then ordered to cover the right of
General Howard's column, scouting all the country to the
right of the road from Kelly's to Germania Ford. This was
accomplished by continually skirmishing with the enemy (on
the roads to the right), who fell back as our skirmishers ad
vanced. The regiment did not lose a man, killing several of
the enemy and taking one prisoner.

"Owing to a misunderstanding of orders, Colonel Kellogg
had not been aware that there was a wagon train in rear
of the column which he was expected to guard and bring
forward, and General Steinwehr, commanding a division of
the Eleventh Corps, ordered the regiment back to meet the
enemy on the road just passed over by the column.

"On going to the rear, they were found posted in a woods,
with one section of artillery and at least three hundred
cavalry, armed with carbines. Not being aware that a train
was yet in the rear, and having no carbines with which to
dismount and clear the woods, after he had ascertained the
force of the enemy, Colonel Kellogg returned with his com
mand to Germania" Ford.

"He was again ordered to communicate with the train,
which he then learned for the first time was still in the rear,
returned to where the enemy were posted, charged and
drove them down the road for a quarter of a mile, until he
came upon a barricade of felled trees across the road. The
night being very dark and rainy, he concluded to wait until
daylight, having lost in the attack eight horses but no men.
When about moving to the rear again at daylight, he was
ordered to the front to cross the Rapidan, scout to the right
and cover the column then marching to Chancellorsville. He
picketed all the roads to right and rear on the night of the

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

3Oth ultimo, and, May i, reported back to brigade head
quarters, leaving two squadrons with General Howard,
charged with the duty of picketing to his right and front
and observing the country toward Orange and Spottsylvania
Court House.

"On the afternoon of May 2d, the brigade (with the ex
ception of a squadron of the Sixth New York, under Cap
tain Crocker, on picket at Ely's Ford), was ordered to
the front, in rear of General Howard's line, and on the right
of General Sickles,' about one mile from Chancellorsville.
Shortly after, I was ordered to report with the Sixth New
York to General Birney, then about three miles to the left.
On reporting to him, he ordered me to return with my com
mand and ascertain if the Plank Road was open to Chan
cellorsville. His infantry columns were at that time re
tiring.

"I succeeded in reaching the field where I had left the bri
gade under General Pleasonton and found the infantry about
forming line. I immediately ordered a detachment to make
their way to the Plank Road by the road we had come.
When half-way, they were fired upon from skirmishers in
the woods, and finally ran into the enemy's infantry, in
column, and were driven back. I immediately formed the
Sixth New York in line, facing the road, reported the facts
to General Whipple, who ordered his skirmishers to the
front, and to General Birney as soon as he came upon the
field. I then retired my command into the hollow in rear of
the line, where the Seventeenth Pennsylvania reported to
me. I was ordered by General Sickles to post vedettes
around the skirt of woods that encompassed the position. I
assigned this duty to the Sixth New York. I had previously
thrown out pickets on the extreme left, near General Birney's
former position. In the meantime the Eighth Pennsylvania
(which command I had left on the field with General Plea
sonton) had been sent to the support of General Howard,
and, finding his line of battle broken and retired to their
rear, had charged down on the enemy's lines between them
and the brick house, which they succeeded in reaching,
losing Major Keenan, Captain Arrowsmith, Adjutant Had-

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

dock and about thirty men and eighty horses. The charge
however, had the effect of disordering and checking the
enemy at that point. The regiment then formed as provost
in front of the brick house, where it remained for the night.
The Seventeenth Pennsylvania had, by order of General
Pleasanton, been formed in support of the batteries with
which he had driven back the enemy's advance after the
Eleventh Corps had broken. Their steadiness under the
severe fire elicited much commendation.

"Early on the morning of the 3d, I was ordered by Major-
General Sickles to hold my command in readiness to cover
the movement of his column from the field. I drew in my
vedettes and awaited the movement. The fire became very
hot, and working around to my right and rear, I formed the
two regiments (Sixth New York and Seventeenth Pennsyl
vania) in the hollow on the left of the battle-line, but the
fire from the front, right, and left had by this time become
so concentrated on the position that it was useless to look
for cover, and my men began to drop fast, although the
line was steady as a rock. At this moment I was ordered
to report to General Hooker with my command. I succeed
ed, with some difficulty, in saving my pickets in the woods
on the extreme left, bringing them in when nearly surround
ed and under a heavy fire. On reporting to General Hooker,
I. was ordered to form my command as skirmishers in rear
of the line of battle, and to prevent any stragglers passing
through. This position I maintained until the change of
front at the White House, where I formed a new line, which
was maintained until the close of the action.

"About nightfall, the general commanding the division
ordered the Seventeenth Pennsylvania to cross the United
States Ford and supply themselves with rations and forage.
I remained with the Sixth New York, bivouacked in rear of
the line of battle. The squadron of the Sixth New York,
which had been picketing Ely's Ford, here reported. They
had been completely cut off from our army, and had to
fight their way through the enemy's skirmishers to our lines,
losing several men and horses. They only came in by di-

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

rection of the field officer in command of outposts on that
line.

"On the morning of the 4th instant, I was ordered to re
port to division headquarters, when I was directed to place
the Eighth and Seventeenth Pennsylvania in camp. The
Eighth had on the previous day been picketing from Hart-
wood to Kelly's Ford.

"On the morning of the 5th instant, the brigade was or
dered to Falmouth, where it encamped the same night.

"The regimental commanders, Colonel Kellogg, Major
Huey, and Captain Beardsley, were cool, prompt, and ready
in carrying out my orders, and in no one case failed in their
execution while under my command."

Because of the heavy rains that followed immediately
after the battle of Chancellorsville, causing the Rappahan-
nock River to overflow its banks, and the regiment being
among the last troops to cross, with portions of the pontoon
bridge washed away, we experienced great difficulty in re-
crossing the river. Both men and horses were thoroughly
drenched and covered with mud. We were not permitted to
build any fires during the night, and the men were in great
distress. The following day, May 5th, the entire brigade
marched to Falmouth where we occupied, virtually the same
camp we had left about one week previous.

THE MARCH INTO MARYLAND AND PENNSYLVANIA.

The defeats of the Army of the Potomac at the battles
of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, no doubt was a great
inspiration to the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia,
so much so that, almost immediately after the latter battle,
General Robert E. Lee assumed the offensive by moving
out of his strongly fortified position in front of Fredericks-
burg, demonstrating on General Joseph Hooker's right and
threatening Maryland and Pennsylvania.

To ascertain the intentions of General Lee, General
Hooker sent the First and Second Cavalry Divisions, under
command of General Alfred Pleasonton, up the Rappahan-
nock River to reconnoiter.

The First Division, under command of General John

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

Buford crossed at Beverly Ford. They found the Rebels in
force, first their cavalry and later their infantry. The author
remembers distinctly having been detailed as bugler at bri
gade headquarters that day. He followed Colonel Thomas
C. Devin, who commanded the brigade, all day. The bri
gade steadily pushed back the Rebel cavalry, until we reach
ed a point where our troops were confronted by the Rebel
infantry and our further advances were stubbornly resisted.
It was reported to Colonel Devin that his troops were facing
the Rebel infantry. Seemingly Colonel Devin did not believe
there were any Rebel infantry in that vicinity, so, to satisfy
himself, he asked his staff to remain in the rear and, select
ing one of his staff officers together with the author, he rode
out on the skirmish line to ascertain for himself the truth
fulness of the report. The Sixth New York was on the
skirmish line, while the Ninth New York and the Seven
teenth Pennsylvania were in support.

As we emerged from the woods into an open space or field
where our mounted skirmishers were deployed, it was clearly
discovered that our troops were confronted with a heavy
line of infantry, who, with weapons of a longer range than
that of our carbines, were dismounting our men at a fear
ful rate, whilst they were unable to inflict any punishment
upon the enemy. As Colonel Devin approached the skirmish
line, he at once became the target for the Rebel sharp
shooters and, the way the minnie balls were whizzing around
him, it was the next thing to a miracle that he was not
killed. One of the skirmishers hailed him and said, "Colo
nel, this is no place for you." He replied by saying, "Those
fellows across the ravine could not hit an elephant if they
would try." The skirmish line was immediately withdrawn.
The Rebel infantry advanced in force and our lines were
overpowered. In this engagement the Seventeenth Regi
ment, supporting one of our batteries most of the time, was
under fire all day; and, in retiring, was the extreme rear
guard.

In recrossing the ford it was subjected to a heavy artillery
fire from the enemy's guns. In this engagement the regi
ment lost its first commissioned officer, Major Isaac Wal-

4— 17th R.

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

burn, surgeon-in-chief of the regiment who was struck by
the fragment of an exploded shell. Because of the faithful
performance of his arduous duties, especially during the
"Muddy Stafford" campaign, he was held in very high es
teem by the regiment arid his loss was deeply regretted.

On the eleventh of June, 1863, the regiment was assigned
to picket the line of the Rappahannock from Beverly Ford
to Sulphur Springs, while the main body of the Army of
the Potomac was marching northward. Company E, to
which the author belonged, had its headquarters about a
quarter of a mile in the rear of Sulphur Springs Hotel, a
fashionable summer resort, our pickets guarding the bridge
across the river. Our relations here with the "Johnnies" on
the opposite side of the river, were quite friendly, and to
bacco, coffee and newspapers were exchanged.

Judging from the elaborate quarters and surroundings,
Sulphur Springs, must have been a charming health and
summer resort during its palmy days. It was now in charge
of a few colored servants who told us that the men had all
gone to war and that the ladies were staying in Richmond
until the war was over. While Sergeant Martin Wike and
the author walked down to the lower end of the court where
the medicinal spring is located, surrounded by bowers of
shrubbery and beautiful walks, the sergeant remarked "How
kind of Uncle Sam, after our strenuous service in 'Muddy
Stafford', to send us to this beautiful summer resort to re
cuperate our health." After a drink from the spring, the
water of which tasted too sulphuric to satisfy the palate of a
thirsty soldier, we looked the place over carefully and con
cluded that from the eighteen dollars and the thirteen
dollars per month we were receiving respectively from Uncle
Sam, we could possibly save enough money to buy the place
after the war, and make it our future home.

On the night of June 15, 1863, our picket line was quietly
withdrawn from the Rappahannock River, and thus our
regiment became the extreme rear guard of the Army of the
Potomac. The night was exceedingly dark ; and, after we
struck the trail over which General Hooker's army had
passed just a short time before, the dust must have been

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

five or six inches deep. The dust added to the darkness, and
made it almost impossible for any one to see his file leader,
and thus the column would occasionally get either jumbled
up or separated so that it became necessary for the men to
hail one another to keep in line. It was a forced march to
Catlett's Station, where we made a short halt, and sent out
several reconnoitering squads to ascertain whether there
were any Rebel cavalry in the vicinity. Finding the coast
clear, we continued the march.

After several days and nights of forced marching, through
more dust, we caught up with the rear of General Hooker's
army in the vicinity of Middleburg, Va., and, on June 17,
1863, before we had time to rest, we became involved in a
skirmish with the Rebel cavalry at Aldie, and, on the twenty-
first, again at Upperville, where a more determined stand
was taken by the enemy. Here the engagement became
general. While the regiment was occupying an advanced
position, waiting for the support to be drawn in line of battle,
it was in direct line of a heavy artillery fire from the enemy.
While in this position, an orderly approached Colonel Josiah
H. Kellogg, and, with the compliments of Colonel Thomas
C. Devin, commanding our brigade, ordered him to charge
that Rebel battery over yonder, pointing in the direction
where the battery was stationed, which was in our front
somewhat to the left beyond an apple orchard. The vicinity
was full of stone walls ; and, as we came around the orchard,
we were confronted by one. Before the regiment could
form in line, it was obliged to march some distance up a
narrow lane, with stone walls on either side, until it reached
a suitable place to get into the open field.

Just as fast as the companies got through this opening
they formed right into line for the charge. The artillery fire
was so hot that, before the entire regiment got into line, the
right started off with a yell, before the command to charge
was given. The Rebel battery, evidently without sufficient
support, immediately limbered to the rear, and we failed to
capture it. While the regiment was being formed for the
charge Captain William Tice's favorite horse "Jim," the
finest horse in the regiment, was struck by a shell, right in

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

front of his Company, "E," The shell cut the captain's
sabre in two. The shell and sabre are rare relics among
his descendants.

The following day the regiment participated in an engage
ment with the Rebel cavalry at Goose Creek in which the
enemy was again defeated. As my memory serves me now,
this was the last of a series of engagements in this campaign
on Virginia soil. We crossed the Potomac River at Ed
ward's Ferry into Maryland. Conditions now were differ
ent. We felt that we were once more in God's country. The
people were patriotic, cheering and encouraging us in many
ways. We knew not where we were going, except that we
were going northward, every moment expecting to meet the
Confederate army. We felt confident that a pitched battle,
on northern soil, would result in a glorious victory for the
Union army. The men who had been fighting the enemy
behind breastworks, were eager and anxious to meet the
foe in open field with at least equal chances. About this
time too we received the news that General George G. Meade
had succeeded General Joseph Hooker as commander of the
Army of the Potomac. There were different opinions among
the men as to the advisability of this change at this time.

As we crossed the boundary line between Maryland and
Pennsylvania, one of the guidon carriers of Company G,
of our regiment, was stationed at the line making the an
nouncement to each company as they approached, that they
\vere, at that point, entering upon Pennsylvania soil. The
boys raised their caps and lustily cheered, again and again,
for the old Keystone State and Old Glory.

On June 29, 1863, the regiment encamped for the first
time, since it left Harrisburg, on Pennsylvania soil, in the
vicinity of Waynesboro, in sight of the homes of many of
the members of Company G. A request was made to
Colonel Josiah H. Kellogg to permit the men of Company
G, to visit their homes during the night, which request was
granted, however, only upon condition that every member of
the company would be present again at roll call the follow
ing morning. Captain L. B. Kurtz commanding the com
pany vouched for the men, and, to the credit of the company,

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

it could be truthfully said that every member of the com
pany was present for duty and answered roll call the next
morning. It was in this same camp that, early the following
morning, an old Pennsylvania farmer and his daughter
drove into our camp with a one horse spring wagon and
handed out loaves of bread and cakes, free of charge, say
ing he and his wife and daughter stayed up all night and
baked them for the soldiers. "They are yours," he con
tinued, "you are welcome to them. I wish I had more to
give you." The boys doffed their caps and thanked the
donors. Then some one proposed three cheers for the old
farmer, another proposed three cheers for his wife, and still
another proposed three cheers for the daughter. It is need
less to say that in less time than it takes to tell this little inci
dent, the bread and cakes were all distributed. The old far
mer said, if we would remain until next morning, he would
come again with more bread and cakes ; but, before he left
camp, "Boots and Saddles" sounded, and we parted, he no
doubt for his home, and the regiment in the direction of
Gettysburg where we arrived about four o'clock in the after
noon of June 30, 1863.

When the army was on a move, commands usually would
march alternately. On June 30, 1863, the Seventeenth Penn
sylvania Cavalry was the leading regiment in our division and
was the first command of the Army of the Potomac to enter
Gettysburg. Upon our arrival, the few scattered Confeder
ate troops in the vicinity withdrew, without showing fight,
and we were in possession of the town. The citizens cheer
ed us greatly and gave us other substantial evidences that
we were welcome.

We remained in the town only a short time, and then
moved out the Mummasburg Road just beyond Pennsylva
nia College and went into camp for the night. A strong picket
reserve was established on Seminary Ridge with post vedettes
advanced on the Mummasburg Road as far as the Forney
residence. Squads of men of the companies were permitted
to go into the town for subsistence, and they not only re
turned with liberal donations, but the citizens later visited
our camp and gratuitously brought more provisions than

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

the men could eat. Soft bread, 'biscuits, pies, cakes, meats, jel
lies, preserves, fruit and all kinds of delicacies, was a happy
change from the menu of "hardtack and salt pork" furnished
by Uncle Sam, which was greatly relished by the men, re
gardless of the probable results the following day. If the
dreams of the men that night could be reproduced they
would, no doubt, make a larger and possibly more interest
ing volume than the author's history of the regiment.

Early the next morning, July i, 1863, the Rebels advanced
and the battle of Gettysburg opened. The regiment -was
hurriedly formed on Seminary Ridge, to the left of the
Mummasburg Road, with the skirmishers advanced a
short distance beyond the Forney buildings. The regiment
being mounted and in an open field it was a good target for
a Rebel battery which was shelling us vigorously. The men
were dismounted and the horses sent to the rear. The Rebel
infantry advanced with superior numbers, and we were
forced back behind a stone wall which afforded good protec
tion. In this position we repulsed several charges made by
the enemy and, for several hours, we gallantly checked
every attempt to dislodge us, until we were relieved by troops
of the First Corps.

General Alfred Pleasonton in his official report on the
Gettysburg campaign says, "Buford, with his four thousand
cavalry, attacked Hill and for four hours splendidly resisted
his advance, until Generals Reynolds and Howard were able
to hurry to the field and give their assistance. To the in
trepidity, courage and fidelity of General Buford and his
brave division, the country and the army owe the field of
Gettysburg."

After being relieved by the infantry, the regiment, with
the remainder of the division, was sent out the York Pike
to protect General Meade's right flank. While thus re-
connoitering, one of our own batteries on Cemetery Hill,
took the regiment for an advancing Rebel column and open
ed fire on us. Before much damage was done, the blunder
was discovered, and we retired, with the Eleventh Corps,
through the town, late in the afternoon ; and, with the bri
gade, formed a new line in the rear of the batteries which

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

had shelled us, with the right of the line resting on the town.
Some time during the night, the regiment, with the brigade,
moved out the Emmetsburg Road, and formed in line of
companies to the left of the road, a short distance in the
rear of the Peach Orchard, with orders to stand to horse.
Early on the morning of July 2d, the regiment advanced
some distance beyond the crossroads, through the Peach
Orchard, and engaged the Rebel infantry. The regiment
made several charges but was repulsed each time.

In the meantime the Third Corps formed in line of battle
in our rear, when we were withdrawn and formed on the
left of the Third Corps, extending the line through
the Wheatfield to Little Round Top until again relieved by
the infantry. Some time during the afternoon, the entire
First Division of the Cavalry Corps was withdrawn from
the field and ordered to Taneytown where we bivouacked for
the night ; and the next day, July 3d, marched to Westmins
ter, Md., to protect General Meade's supply train. On July
5th, our division started from Westminster for Frederick
City, Md., where we drew supplies and bivouacked for the
night. The next morning, at four o'clock, we left Fred
erick City, going in the direction of Boonesboro and Wil-
liamsport.

All the available Federal cavalry was now concentrated at
Frederick City, evidently for the purpose of demonstrating
in force to destroy General Lee's supply train supposed to
be at Williamsport. The commands left Frederick City,
July 6th, at 4 o'clock in the morning, and, by a forced
march, reached Saint Mary's College about five in the after
noon, where the enemy was discovered in sufficient force to
prevent the Union forces from accomplishing their purpose.
In this engagement the Second Brigade of General John
Buford's Division, to which our regiment belonged, was
held in reserve and did not participate in the fight; but,
after the fight was over it was moved forward and relieved
the troops that were engaged, with instructions to hold the
ground at all hazard. The enemy were reinforced during
the night, and the next morning we were obliged to fall back.
General Buford in his official report on this fight says, "The

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

enemy was too strong for me, but he was severely punished
for his obstinacy His casualties more than quadrupled
mine. The officers and men behaved with their usual cour
age, displaying great unwillingness to fall back, and re
quiring repeated orders before they did so."

On July 7th, the division moved to Boonesboro, and went
into camp. July 8th, the enemy drove in our pickets and the
righting lasted until about 6 p. m., during which time the
enemy was driven back about four miles.

Colonel Thomas 0. Devin, commanding our brigade, re
ferring to this and the following day's engagement says, "I
was ordered, at 7 p. m., to relieve the First Brigade,
then engaged on the left front, and, at dark, to retire my
command again to the woods, which I was to hold until
daylight to enable the other brigades to retire on a suitable
position near the crossroads. Retiring, as ordered, I with
drew my skirmishers to a line five hundred yards in advance
of my position, and connecting with the woods at the same
distance on each flank, completely covering the road. About
midnight, the enemy advanced on my front and engaged the
skirmishers. He was repulsed and soon retired. Just at
daybreak, I made a demonstration on the enemy's front by
charging down with a squadron of the Sixth New York,
driving in his skirmishers and pickets on the reserve, and
throwing them into confusion, under cover of which move
ment I withdrew the main body one mile to the rear, taking
up a position in front of the road running from Hagerstown
to Sharpsburg. After retiring about two and a half miles,
I was ordered to halt, rest men and horses, strongly picket
the roads to the rear, and, if possible, hold the position until
the division of General Kilpatrick and the two brigades of
General Buford's division had crossed Antietam Creek.
About ii a. m., the enemy appeared in force in our
rear with infantry and artillery. I immediately ordered up
the Ninth New York to hold him in check, and sent an
orderly to notify General Buford. As soon as I ascertained
that the rear of General Buford's column was crossing
Antietam Bridge, I ordered Colonel Sackett to fall back
on the brigade.

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

"I then took up the line of march, and closely pressing my
rear, under Colonel Sackett, who fell back fighting, his men
behaving splendidly, making a stand at every favorable point,
and often repulsing and punishing the enemy's sharpshooters.
On arriving near the creek, I dismounted two squadrons, of
the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and posted them on the hill
commanding the bridge, intending to give the enemy a warm
reception. He was, however, too cautious to approach the
creek, which we crossed unmolested, and joined the division.
The next morning July 8th, the enemy advanced in force
down the Hagerstown Turnpike. I formed the brigade in
line of battle along the crest in my front. I also deployed
two squadrons to the front as skirmishers. In the mean
time my skirmishers had been more or less engaged, but
about 2 p. m., the enemy being reinforced, a determined
and vigorous attack was made on my position. I was forced
to dismount the whole of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and
Sixth New York which held the enemy with varying success,
sometimes being forced back and again regaining their lost
ground. I was obliged to relieve those engaged with others
as their ammunition became expended, so that, by half past
5 o'clock, my whole command had been engaged, and I
had not a dozen cartridges left. I was therefore obliged to
retire the brigade, after notifying General Kilpatrick of my
action. Our men behaved splendidly, holding and even driv
ing the enemy with their pistols after their carbine ammuni
tion was expended."

Late in the afternoon of July Qth, the regiment again
participated in an engagement in the vicinity of Boonesboro
in which the enemy was driven for about two miles, until
darkness rendered further pursuit useless. Early the fol
lowing morning, July loth, we were again in motion and soon
became engaged with the enemy, and after a sharp fight,
drove them across Antietam Creek, in the vicinity of Funks-
town. Here the enemy was found to be in force, and we
were relieved by the Sixth Corps, and retired to Beaver
Creek where we bivouacked for the night. The following
day the regiment marched, with the First and Second Bri
gades of our division, to Bakersville where we went into

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

camp and remained until July I4th, when we again advanced,
feeling the enemy's position. When we approached the
enemy's works, they were found abandoned. We continued
the advance and soon met the rearguard of General Lee's
retreating army near Falling Waters.

Upon reaching the crest of the hill near the ford, a Rebel
battery, stationed on the opposite side of the river, opened
fire on us, and the regiment was dismounted and deployed as
skirmishers. But the Rebels had covered their retreat so
effectually that we could not inflict any punishment upon
them at this point. This was the last of a series of engage
ments on soil north of the Potomac River which ended so
disastrously to the Confederate cause.

I have quoted somewhat extensively from official reports
so as to give the fullest and most reliable information con
cerning these movements. In all engagements the Seven
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry did its share of the fighting
and sustaining its proportionate losses with its associate
commands. Colonel Thomas C. Devin in his report says :
"Throughout the whole of these sharp engagements, the men
have behaved like veterans, not a single instance of misbe
havior, having been brought to my notice. The officers were
also prompt, brave, and efficient in the execution of their
duties." On July I5th we marched to Berlin, on the i6th
to Petersville, and on the i8th recrossed the Potomac River
at Berlin, and were once more upon Virginia soil, encamp
ing for the night near Purcellville. July i6th, the march
was continued through the Loudon Valley and we bivouack
ed for the night on Goose Creek near Rector's Cross Roads.
On the 22d of July, our brigade moved to Barbee's Cross
Roads, and, on the 26th, to near Warrenton, where we got
a short rest.

THE SEVENTEENTH PENNSYLVANIA

CAVALRY IN THE GETTYSBURG

CAMPAIGN.

BY THEODORE W. BEAN, BREVET LIEUTENANT-COLONEL.

The part taken by the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry
in the battle of Gettysburg begins with its march to that
famous field. It was the only Pennsylvania regiment that
participated in the severe engagement which took place on
the early morning of July ist between the First and Second
Brigades of the First Cavalry Division of the Cavalry Corps,
Army of the Potomac, supported by Tidball's Battery
(Second United States Horse Artillery), and the advance
of Generals Hill and Ewell's Corps of the Confederate army
on the Cashtown and Carlisle roads, both converging at the
town of Gettysburg.

We left the lower Rappahannock on the /th, passing
through Stafford County, where we found the Army of the
Potomac on the move. Near Stafford Court House the com
mand received rations, forage and ammunition, and at dawn
of the following day moved with the cavalry corps, taking
position on the upper Rappahannock under cover of the
night — the First Division, commanded by Brigadier General
John Buford, at Beverly Ford, and the Second Division,
commanded by Brigadier General David Me M. Gregg, at
Kelley's Ford, the corps commanded by Major General Al
fred Pleasonton. General Joseph Hooker, then command
ing the Army of the Potomac, had reason to suspect that
General Lee was concentrating his army in Culpepper Coun
ty preparatory to invading the North ; hence the entire cav
alry force was massed to make a reconnoissance in force,
supported by two brigades of infantry. The movement re
sulted in what is known in history as the battle of Beverly
Ford, and by Confederate writers spoken of as Fleetwood.
It occurred on the pth of June, 1863, and bears an import
ant relation to events leading up to Gettysburg.

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

Pleasonton obtained important information upon cross
ing the river at 5 o'clock a. m., and pushed his reconnois-
sance on toward Brandy Station, and, after a day's active
operations, retired to the north bank of the river about sun
set. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry supported the
artillery of the First Division during the entire day, and in
returning it covered the passage of all the troops and trans
portation at the ford.

REGIMENTAL FORMATION.

ist Battalion

2d Battalion

3d Battalion

ist
Sq'd.

< O

Sq'd.

4th
Sq'd.

U ^

•a

3 u

c ,

5th
Sq'd.

W .-4

6th
Sq'd.

o
U

VH O

« U

M fe

c/2

m _j

d *H
O S

c >>

§ >

o3 c

Note. — Companies H and D were on detached duty at Fifth
Corps Headquarters during the Gettysburg campaign, Companies
B and H serving together in squadron in the interval.

INCIDENTS OF MARCH AND CAMP.

I recall an incident which occurred about half a mile from
the ford while the line of mounted skirmishers were falling
back, holding their pursuers at bay. Colonel Kellogg, sur
rounded by his staff, was directing the movement, Dr. Isaac
Walburn, surgeon of the regiment, being one of the party.
The group of officers had turned toward the ford and were
slowly riding in that direction. The enemy were using
their artillery from the crested hills and firing shot at long
range. A twelve-pounder struck the ground some fifty
yards in the rear of the party, and, ricochetting, struck Dr.
Walburn between the shoulders, then falling to the ground.

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

It seemed incredible that a human body could stop a solid
shot moving with its velocity and not be instantly killed.
While the doctor was badly hurt and rendered unfit for
further service during the war, he survived for many years.
Lee moved with 100,000 men from Culpepper down the
Shenandoah Valley. Hooker moved on a corresponding
line northward with an army and supports equal in num
bers. Between these great columns was the field of the cav
alry. General J. E. B. Stuart, with 10,000 horsemen, was
charged to cover the marching flank of his great chief.
Pleasonton, with an equal number, was given similar orders.
The marching flanks of these contending hosts were twenty
miles apart. Loudon Valley and the Blue Ridge Moun
tains, with open country and good, broad highways leading
over the mountain into the Shenandoah Valley, lay between
them. This was the disputed ground from the Rappahan-
nock to the Potomac. The fight at Aldie, on June i7th, re
sulted in heavy losses on both sides, while that which oc
curred at Middletown, in the Loudon Valley, on the 2ist,
engaging the whole mounted force of both Pleasonton and
Stuart, was of the most sanguinary character. From the
6th of June to the 23d, the time of crossing the Potomac
at Edwards' Ferry, these troops were actively engaged, with
only such rest as could be secured at intervals, resulting
from midnight truces to this continuous service. I remem
ber one of the most pitiful scenes of the war during this
period. It occurred near Cattlet's Station, on the Orange
and Alexandria Railroad. The division had been marching
and picketing for almost a week with no rest for man or
beast. They had marched all night to reach this point on
the railroad for necessary supplies. The column halted be
fore the light of day with orders to "dismount and stand to
horse." The ever-vigilant enemy were known to be near.
We were covering important movements of Hooker's army,
who left dust in the road we stood on not less than eight
inches deep. With a fellow-officer I moved to the roadside,
and there sat down waiting for orders. An hour passed,
and the gray dawn of coming day slowly lighted up a pic
ture I never can forget. The men, who were completely

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

tired out, had slipped the bridle rein over their arms and
lay down in front of their horses in a bed of dust that al
most obscured them from sight. Their jaded steeds seemed
to know they should not move, and, propping themselves
with extended necks and lowering heads, stood like mute
sentinels over their riders dead in sleep.

CROSSING THE POTOMAC.

We crossed the river on pontoons at Edwards' Ferry and
took up the line of march through Maryland, moving so as
to cover the left flank of the army. The country was loyal
and men and horses recuperated rapidly. Passing near
Frederick City, Md., a luckless spy happened to fall within
our clutches. A drumhead court-martial dealt out prompt
justice and his body was left hanging to a tree by the road
side. A committee of indignant citizens called on General
Buford and wanted to know why he was hanged. General
Buford informed them that the man was a spy and he was
afraid to send him to Washington because he knew the
authorities would make him a brigadier General. The com
mittee retired, unanimously voting General Buford a
"Northern brute." The march through Western Maryland
was thoroughly enjoyable — good roads, frequent streams of
water, fine camping grounds, sympathizing people often
crowding villages and country towns as we swept on through
them. Mails, with letters from home, and newspapers, too,
met us and were distributed almost every day. Later in
the day — June 29th — wre crossed the boundary line into
Franklin County, Pa. The men of Company G, of this
regiment, commanded by Captain Luther B. Kurtz, were
natives of this county, and mostly recruited at or near
Waynesboro. A trooper of this company, with guidon,
stood at the line while the regiment passed, and each squad
ron lustily cheered him as we hastened on.

The division crossed the South Mountain on a good high
way, along which the enemy's cavalry had preceded us some
days. The road at some points had been barricaded by
home guards and local troops to retard their progress, but
these obstructions had mostly been removed. The com-

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

mand bivouacked on the night of the 29th at the foot of
South Mountain, with orders to move at sunrise. The camp,
as near as we can remember, was some eight or ten miles
east of Waynesboro, the home of Captain L. B. Kurtz and
the home of the men of Company G. The captain asked
Colonel Kellogg for permission to take his company and
spend the night in his native village. The request was novel ;
the orders under which the command was marching were
very exacting. The colonel was a West Pointer and a strict
disciplinarian. On the other hand, the sympathies of every
officer in the command were with Captain Kurtz and his
men. The request was granted and Company G went home
for the night, leaving assurances of honor that all would be
back at the hour the column would march, and, true to their
word and country, they came, and when they reported the
next morning, without a man missing or a straggler, they
received a warm greeting from their generous, though less
fortunate, companions.

ON TO GETTYSBURG.

The order of march for the First and Second Brigades
for the day was to Gettysburg via Emmettsburg. We reach
ed the town about 2 o'clock p. m. Our arrival was hailed
as the advance of the Army of the Potomac, the where
abouts of which for some days previous had been as much
of a mystery to the loyal people of the State as it was to
the Confederate chiefs. The people of the town lined the
streets through which we marched from doorstep to curb,
indulged in exclamations of joy and chorused national
songs. Passing through the town the division halted and
went into camp on Seminary Ridge, the First Brigade on
the left of the Cashtown Road and the Second Brigade on
the right. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry's camp
was near the town, and within a few hundred yards of the
college grounds. Company F of the regiment was recruited
in the Cumberland Valley, mostly at or near Carlisle, but
some of the number were former residents of Gettysburg,
among them Perry J. -Tate, the adjutant, a brother of Dr.
Theodore T. Tate, who went into service with this regiment,

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

but was subsequently assigned to duty with the Third Penn
sylvania Cavalry.

General Buford realized the strategic advantages of the
position he then held, and believed, from advices received,
that Lee was at that hour hastening the concentration of his
powerful army on the ground we then occupied. By 10
o'clock p. m. of the 3Oth it was well understood at division
headquarters that our pickets on the Cashtown and Cham-
bersburg Pike were confronting General Hill's infantry, and
those on the Carlisle Pike the infantry of General Ewell.
Buford spent some hours of the night at General Devin's
headquarters. General Buford remarked, before leaving
the tent of Devin, "that concentration at that point was cer
tain, that the battle would be fought at that point. He was
afraid it would be commenced in the morning before the in
fantry would get up."

Devin did not share the opinion of his superior officer and
remarked "that he would take care of all that would attack
his front during the ensuing twenty-four hours." Buford
replied: "No, you won't; they will attack you in the morn
ing and will come booming, skirmishers three deep. You
will have to fight like the devil to hold your own until sup
ports arrive. The enemy must know the importance of this
position and will strain every nerve to secure it, and if we
are able to hold it, we will do well."

The picket line of the Second Brigade was held by three
companies of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry on the
night of June 3Oth, viz., E, F and M, commanded by Cap
tains Tice, Ham and Sponsler, all under the command of
Major J. Q. Anderson. The reserve post was established
at or near the junction of the Newville and Carlisle Roads,
with vedettes thrown forward a mile or more beyond. The
line of pickets covered the country from Rock Creek on the
right to the Mummasburg Road, connecting on the left
with the line of the Ninth New York Cavalry.

THE FIRST GUNS AT GETTYSBURG.

Buford's command was saddled and standing to horse by
sunrise on the morning of July i. The advance of Ewell's

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

Corps from the direction of Carlisle, with that of General
Early from the direction of Wrightsville, became known to
Major Anderson on the evening of the 3Oth of June. The
movement of Ewell's Corps on the Carlisle Road was evi
dently on time with that of Hill on the Cashtown Road, and
if unimpeded both columns would have united about the
same hour at Gettysburg. Ewell's advance was met by
Major Anderson's troops fully three miles out from the
town. The reserves were thrown forward to a strong posi
tion, under cover of a stone wall, where the carbineers did
effective work. Skirmishing began on this line at sunrise,
or perhaps a little before. It has always been asserted by
the officers and men of Anderson's command that they met
the enemy in actual conflict on the Carlisle Road before the
advance of Hill's Corps was struck by the First Brigade.
Dr. J. Wilson De Witt, the only medical officer then on the
staff of Colonel Kellogg, reports that he was on the line in
attendance upon the wounded of Anderson's troops before
7 o'clock a. m., and that the firing commenced two hours
before he reached the front. It is well known that the Sixth
and Ninth New York Cavalry were ordered up to the
support of the Seventeenth Cavalry, all dismounted, and
by 7 o'clock a. m., the Second Brigade was actively engaged
covering the Mummasburg, Carlisle and Harrisburg Roads.
At an early hour on the morning of July ist, and before
the reserves of the Seventeenth were ordered to the front,
Colonel Kellogg and Dr. J. Wilson De Witt, acting surgeon,
were about mounting their horses to make a call on relatives
in the town. At this moment a plain-looking, well-dressed
citizen made his appearance in the camp. He wore the garb
and used the language of a Quaker. He appeared advanced
in years, and carried a cornstalk cane. He desired to see
one of the general officers. He was taken to Colonel
Kellogg. Upon being presented he made himself known as
a Union man, and then carefully taking out a closely written
despatch which he had adroitly concealed in the hollow of
his cornstalk cane, he handed it to Colonel Kellogg. The
despatch conveyed the information that Swell's Corps was
concentrating on the Carlisle Road, and had gone into camp

5— 17th R.

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

for the night of the 3Oth at a point within a short day's
march from Gettysburg, with every indication of a move
ment in force on that place early on the morning of July I.
While the man was being questioned by Colonel Kellogg, an
officer reported from Major Anderson that he was then be
ing attacked by the advance of the enemy, and that larger
bodies of troops were moving toward his front and to his
right to obtain possession of the Harrisburg Road.

It seems almost incredible that between 3,000 and 4,000
carbineers could hold an unbroken line of three to four
miles against such fearful odds. General Buford's signal
officer, who was in the cupola of the Theological Seminary,
the most eligible point of observation on the field, says:

"The engagement was desperate, as we were opposed to the
whole front of Hill's Corps. We held them in check fully two
hours and were nearly overpowered when, looking about the coun
try, I saw the corps flag of General Reynolds. I was still in the
cupola, but being the only signal officer with the cavalry, I had no
one to communicate with, so I sent one of my men to General
Buford, who came up, and looking through my field-glass confirmed
my report and remarked : 'Now we can hold the place.' General
Reynolds and staff .came up at a gallop in advance of the corps,
when I made the following communication : 'Reynolds himself will
be here in five minutes, his corps is about a mile behind.' Buford
returned to my station and watched anxiously the observations
made through my signal telescope. When Reynolds came up,
seeing Buford in the cupola, he cried out : 'What's the matter,
John ?' 'The devil's to pay,' said Buford. Upon reaching the
ground Reynolds said : 'I hope you can hold out until my corps
comes up.' 'I reckon I can,' was the characteristic reply, and the
two officers rode rapidly to the front."

It should be noted here that Calef's Second United States
Battery, as early as 7 o'clock a. m., was in action. The
three sections were separated by intervals of fully a hundred
yards, or perhaps more. The section to the right of the
Cashtown Road was supported by a squadron of the Third
Division. The section to the left of the same road by a
squadron of the 8th Illinois, and the section on the road by
the Fifth Squadron of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania.
These sections were forced back into the line of battle, and
united in battery on the crest of Seminary Ridge, and there

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

fought until their ammunition was exhausted, when they
were relieved by the artillery of the First Corps. When the
guns of Calef were united in the last position the Seven
teenth Pennsylvania troops only were in support of the
battery. It was this trying hour to which General Buford
in his official report refers where he says : "At one time the
enemy had a concentric fire of twelve guns, all at short
range. Calef held his own gloriously, worked his guns de
liberately, with great judgment and skill, and with wonder
ful effect upon the enemy."

I think it was between 10 and n o'clock a.
m. when the battery was retired, and the squadron hurried
off to the right of the Second Brigade line to reinforce the
regiment, a portion of which we found fighting against great
odds on the Harrisburg Pike. They fought dismounted,
with carbines, and when their ammunition for their deadly
weapons was exhausted, and lines at points reached close
quarters, they used their Colts' revolvers to the best advan
tage possible. While compelled to fall back from one posi
tion to another, as heavy lines of infantry pressed upon
their front and flank, sometimes enfiladed by the enemy's
artillery, in a few cases leaving the dead and wounded on
the hastily abandoned grounds, yet these troops yielded
slowly and doggedly, answering every exulting Rebel yell
with a ringing loyal cheer, and only gave up the line in
front of the town when their powder-blackened and grirn-
visaged companions of the whole field were completely out
flanked and overpowered by the united troops of Hill's and
Ewell's Corps.

RETIRING To CEMETERY HILL.

The regiment retired in the most orderly manner on tne
Harrisburg Pike, covering the right flank of troop;? of the
Eleventh Corps as they fell back in conjunction with those
of the First Corps. Upon reaching a point near the town Col
onel Kellogg massed the regiment in column of squadrons in
a lot or field under the crest of Cemetery Hill, where the
artillery of the Eleventh Corps was in position. The gun
ners mistook us in the smoke and dust for the enemy and

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

turned their guns upon us, and in turn we were led for
the moment to believe that the enemy had gained possession
of the crest and were using our own guns against us. Major
Coe Durland was sent to investigate the situation. Mean
while a movement out of range was effected Ly some of the
squadrons. As we hastened from this field of unnatural
peril we met the infantry moving in broken columns from
all directions, with ambulances and artillery toward the
town.

The Seventeenth Pennsylvania, with the Sixth and Ninth
New York Cavalry, was obliged to pass through the streets
of the town in order to join the First Brigade, which had
retired, covering the left flank of the First Corps, west of
Gettysburg. The regiment moved with unbroken column
and, by its steady bearing and example exerted a whole
some influence upon some of the disorganized troops.
Emerging from the moving mass of infantry, artillery and
ambulance trains at a point near where the Emmettsburg
and Taneytown Roads unite, the regiment and brigade went
into position on the high ground now occupied by the
National Cemetery, the line extending westward, joining
that of the First Brigade, then resisting the continued efforts
of Hill's troops to gain further ground on the left. This
last work of General Buford's cavalry is truthfully des
cribed by Mr. Samuel P. Bates, in his "Gettysburg," page
80:

The heroic Buford, who had first felt the shock of battle, * * *
was now, at the critical moment, a pillar of strength. * * * His
front was tried, and the attempt was made to push past him along
the low ground, drained by Stevens' Run, but he maintained his
ground intact, and that admirable position where the army at
length fought and won the battle was again saved. General War
ren, the engineer-in-chief of the army, who first came upon the
field at this crisis, says in his testimony : "General Buford's cavalry
was all in line of battle between our position there and the enemy.
Our cavalry presented a very handsome front, and I think probably
checked the advance of the enemy."

It was between 4 and 5 o'clock p. m. when the regiment,
with the division, went into position on Cemetery Hill,
covering the Emmettsburg Road and commanding the low

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

ground drained by a small stream known as the Stevens
Run. From this point we had a full view of the line of
operations of the day, and the troops of Hill's and Ewell's
Corps were exposed to observation from right to left of their
line, variously estimated at from forty to fifty thousand
men. The area of ground embraced within the lines of the
contending forces, and finally yielded to the enemy, extend
ed from the point where Willoughby Run unites with Marsh
Creek, west of Seminary Ridge, crossing the public roads
to Fairfield, Chambersburg, Mummasburg and Carlisle to
a short distance east of the Harrisburg Pike, and at a dis
tance of from two to three miles from the town. The
country then, as now, was well-improved farm land.

The writer has a vivid recollection of the scenes of dis
tress and sorrow of the terrified families in their flight from
between the battle lines of fire and death on the afternoon
of July ist. Men, women and children, in farm wagons,
who had been sent to the rear and to the town during the
day, and who felt they were comparatively safe, suddenly
awoke to a new sense of danger as our troops fell back
rapidly through the streets of the town. Some of them
drove their stock of horses, cows and sheep, and the bawl
ing and bleating of the animals in straggling herds was in
strong contrast to the sharp rattle of musketry and the
thunder of cannon. To the west and north were seen the
smoking ruins of several large barns and one or two in
full blaze that had been occupied by the sharpshooters of
Lee's army, and purposely set on fire by shells of our
artillerists. And there could be seen also along the ex
tended line the formation of the enemy's troops, and in their
rear battery after battery with ammunition trains, and
trains of ambulances could be plainly seen in occupation
of Seminary Ridge.

The second squadron, Companies D and H, the former
from Bradford, and the latter from Schuylkill County, com
manded by Captain William Thompson, was on detached
duty at Fifth Corps Headquarters in this campaign, and
did not participate in the first day's engagement. Captain
Thompson's services with the Fifth Corps antedated this

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

battle. Serving under the immediate orders of General
Meade, prior to his assignment to the command of the
Army of the Potomac, he enjoyed the confidence of this
distinguished officer, and accompanied him to the field of
battle on the morning of the 2d of July and rode with
him and his corps commanders over the line established, and
on which the second day's battle was fought. His squadron
was on continuous duty during the 2d of July, and was on
Gulp's Hill during the terrible cannonade and subsequent
charge of Picketts' division on the afternoon of the 3d.
This squadron suffered a corresponding loss of men and
horses with the other troops in the regiment, although par
ticipating in different scenes and phases of the battle.

The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry fully performed
its share of service on the night of July I, and cheerfully
labored without rest or sleep in preventing the advance of
the enemy on every road it occupied, and in preparing the
field in its rear for the operations of those then marching
to our relief. The line held by the division during the
night was drawn back at daylight, with vedettes out on
eligible points of observation until about 9 o'clock a. m.,
when the whole command was relieved by the Third Corps
under command of General Sickles, and, by order of Gen
eral Pleasonton, it marched to near Westminster, then Gen
eral Meade's base of supplies, where it refitted and went in
to position on the extreme left of the army.

THE ATTACK AT WILLIAMSPORT.

The defeat of Lee on the 3d of July was followed by his
retreat to the Potomac River. Conjecturing that his trains
would concentrate at or about Williamsport, General Buford
was ordered in pursuit and to make an attack upon them
wherever found. Leaving Westminster on the afternoon
of July 4th, marching via Frederick City and Boonsboro,
crossing South Mountain, he struck the command of Gen
eral Imboden at Williamsport at a late hour on the evening
of July 6th. A strong outpost of the enemy was cut off
and captured in advancing on the place, and the whole di
vision was placed in line for the purpose of making a night

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

attack upon the position. Careful reconnoissances were
made; meantime darkness set in, and about 9 o'clock p. m.
it was ascertained that a large body of the enemy's cavalry
was moving on our right and rear, compelling General Bu-
ford to retire without making the attack. The Seventeenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry were the last to leave the field, and
covered the retiring troops, holding the Confederate rein
forcements in check. The division fell back to the level
of Antietam Creek on the 7th, followed by General Stuart's
cavalry. Along this line from the 7th to the I2th daily en
counters were experienced with the Confederate cavalry,
when the whole army moved upon Lee's entrenched posi
tion at Williamsport. Captain L. B. Kurtz volunteered his
services to ascertain the exact situation of Lee's army at
Williamsport. He crossed the Potomac River below Fall
ing Waters on the evening of the i2th of July and there
learned that a pontoon bridge was in use, by which Lee was
transferring his .artillery and trains to the Virginia shore :
that troops were crossing on flatboats, rafts and all other
means that could be utilized to aid them over a flooded
river. These facts were duly reported to General Devin
before daylight on the morning of the I3th and forwarded
to army headquarters, and the pontoon bridge was destroyed
by the Union troops some hours later, the river then being
too high to ford.

The division covered the extreme left flank and rested
upon the Potomac River, about one mile south of Falling
Waters. Pushing forward, mounted in line of battle, it
struck the enemy's outpost about 9 o'clock p. m., and drew
a sharp fire from Lee's defensive line. The I3th passed and
midnight brought the order to advance at the dawn of day
on the 1 4th.

At the hour named the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry
dismounted, led the advance of the division in the direction
of Williamsport, but it was too late. Lee had escaped,
crossing the river under great difficulties, As in all such
great exigencies a forlorn hope was left to be sacrificed.
In this case it was commanded by General Pettigrew, a
brave officer, in command of about 2000 men. This officer

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

was killed and all his troops captured, with two pieces of
artillery and a number of battle-flags. In the last move
ment it soon become evident that only a rearguard was
left north of the Potomac, and a rush was made for its
capture. A small square fort or earthwork was occupied
by some 400 or 500 men ; this fort was rashly charged by a
battalion of Michigan cavalry, under direction of General
Kilpatrick, and who paid dearly for their brave but fruitless
act. Meantime the troops of the First Division, under Bu-
ford, had cut the enemy off from the ford at the river,
suffering from a sharp fire from the enemy's guns posted
on the opposite side of the river to protect their retreat.
Upon discovering this movement the men in the fort and
those on the line beyond it promptly surrendered. Here
ended the Gettysburg campaign. The Seventeenth Penn
sylvania Cavalry was, we believe, the first Pennsylvania
regiment that struck the united army of Northern Virginia
on that great battlefield, and was foremost among those who
at last hastened Lee's final departure from the loyal States.

MlSSTATEMENTS.

There seems to be a misapprehension upon the part of
some of the participants in the opening fight of July ist, as
well as writers upon the subject. General Heth, of the
Confederate army, who commanded the advanced division
of Hill's corps on the Cashtown Road, writing in the Week
ly Times September 22, 1877, and in the same journal March
23, 1878, asserts with great confidence:

I did not have so much as a skirmish with General Buford's
cavalry or any other cavalry. The first force I struck was infantry
(Reynolds' corps). At the end of two hours' fighting I had lost
2,700 men and 50 per cent, of the officers of my division. Rhodes
had lost 2,500 men and a proportionate number of officers. Early
had lost 500 or 600 men.

General Heth's mistake arises from the fact that the
cavalry fought dismounted during the early part of the day,
concealing their led horses from observation behind the
crest of Seminary Ridge.

Mr. Samuel P. Bates, in his "Gettysburg," page 61, after
quoting in part a letter from General Cutler to Governor A.

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

G. Curtin (printed in General Hofmann's article in
Weekly Press of January 13), says:

The first shot was delivered by the enemy at little before 10
o'clock, which we responded to on the Union side by three single
shots, the signal for a general discharge along the skirmish line,
and the battle of Gettysburg was begun.

On the other hand Major Joseph G. Rosengarten, of
General Reynolds' staff writing upon the operations of the
first day's engagement in the Weekly Times, March 17, 1877,
says:

The brilliant achievement of Buford, with his small body of
cavalry, is but too little considered in the history of the battle of
Gettysburg. It was his foresight and energy, his pluck and self-
reliance in thrusting forward his force, and pushing the enemy,
and thus inviting, almost compelling, their return, that brought on
the engagement of the ist of July.

General Meade in his official report says :

On reaching that place (Gettysburg) on the first day of July,
General Reynolds found Buford's cavalry warmly engaged with the
enemy, who had debouched his infantry through the mountains on
the Cashtown Road, but was being held in check in the most gallant
manner.

General Pleasonton, then in command of the cavalry
Corps and directing the operations of the three divisions in
the approach of the Army of the Potomac to this great
battlefield, thus testifies before the Committee on the Con
duct of the War (Supplement, part 2, page 9) :

Buford, with his 4,000 cavalry, attacked the enemy, and for four
hours splendidly resisted his advance, until Reynolds and Howard
were able to hurry to the field and give their assistance. To the
intrepidity, courage and fidelity of General Buford and his brave
division the country and the army owe the battlefield of Gettysburg.

EXTRACT FROM BUFORD' S OFFICIAL REPORT.

By daylight of the ist of July, I had gained positive information
of the enemy's position and movements, and my arrangements were
made for entertaining him until General Reynolds could reach the
scene. Between 8 and 9 a. m. reports came in from the First
Brigade, Colonel Gamble, that the enemy was coming down from
towards Cashtown in force. Colonel Gamble made an admirable
line of battle and moved off proudly to meet him. The two lines

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

soon became hotly engaged, we having the advantage of position,
he in numbers. The First Brigade held its own for more than two
hours, and had to be literally dragged back a few hundred yards
to a position securer and better sheltered. Tidball's Battery, com
manded by Lieutenant Calef, Second Artillery, fought on this oc
casion as is seldom witnessed. At one time the enemy had a con
centric fire upon this battery from twelve guns, all at short range.
Calef held his own gloriously, worked his guns with great judg
ment and skill and with wonderful effect upon the enemy. * * *
While the. left of my line was engaged, Devin's Brigade on the
right had its hands full. The enemy advanced upon Devin by four
roads, and on each was checked and held until the leading division
of the Eleventh Corps came to his relief. ************

I am unwilling to believe that the writers first referred to
would intentionally detract from the distinguished services
rendered by the officers and men of the First Cavalry Divi
sion from sunrise to sunset on July I, 1863, and which
many of us had hoped had gone into history unquestioned.
It was often said during the late war, quite as much in sin
cerity as in jest, that the "cavalry" were constantly stirring
up the enemy and when they succeeded in bringing on a battle
would turn them over to the infantry. The cavalry cer
tainly did not pursue this course on July I, 1863, but fully
shared every peril during the eventful day and faithfully
guarded front and flanks throughout the weary night that
followed. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment
crossed the boundary line of the State with about 500 ef
fective men and officers. The number of killed and wound
ed, including those lost at Beverly Ford and Upperville, is
reported by Dr. Dewit at ninety-five, or about 20 per cent, of
the command. This does not include those who fell sick
by the way, or the further loss to the regiment by dis
mounts, resulting from horses killed, disabled and worn
out, this number being in excess of the men killed and
wounded. In every line of battle from Beverly Ford to
Seminary Ridge and Cemetery Hill, formed by the
First Cavalry Division this regiment fully performed
its duties and met the expectations of its commanding offi
cers.

Jos i Air H. KKLUXK;.
Colonel, Chicago, Illinois.

JOSIAH H. KELLOGG.

BREVET MAJOR UNITED STATES ARMY. COLONEL SEVEN-

TEENT,H REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA

VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.

Colonel Josiah H. Kellogg was born at Erie, Pennsyl
vania, October i, 1836. He was educated at private schools
and the Erie Academy till 1853, when he entered Hobart
College, at Geneva, N. Y., in which institution he was a
junior when appointed as a cadet at the United States Mili
tary Academy at West Point, in 1855. He graduated in
1860, and was appointed as a brevet second lieutenant in the
First Dragoons. He was assigned to duty at the Carlisle
barracks and served there until November 2, 1860, when he
was ordered, with recruits, to join his regiment, part of
which was then stationed at Walla Walla, in the Territory
of Washington.

After serving there for some months, he was ordered to
take command of the company which garrisoned Fort
Crook, near Mount Shasta, in Northern California. He
commanded Fort Crook until his regiment was ordered east
to take part in the War of the Rebellion. He was promoted
to second lieutenant, January 8, 1861 ; to the rank of first
lieutenant, May 13, 1861 ; and was assigned to the First U.
S. Cavalry, August 3, 1861. He was promoted to a cap
taincy in the First U. S. Cavalry, May 20, 1862. He also
served for a time as adjutant of the First Dragoons, the
title of the regiment having been changed by act of Congress.

By permission of the War Department, he was assigned
tr. the command of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry, received a commission from the gover
nor of Pennsylvania as colonel of U. S. volunteers, Novem
ber 19, 1862, and at once took command of the regiment.

Although Colonel Kellogg was a perfect stranger when
he came to the regiment, both officers and men soon learned
to know and respect him as their commander. The initiation
into military duties now began in earnest ; everything was
new to the men and they had much to learn.

JOSIAH H. KELLOGG

Colonel Kellogg's thorough training, practical experience
and diplomacy served him well for the task he had assumed.
He was an excellent tactician and most thorough drill-mas
ter, and by continued and unceasing efforts he soon brought
the regiment to a high standard of military proficiency. He
commanded the regiment during the famous Stafford, Chan-
cellorsville and Gettysburg campaigns. Because of injuries
incurred during the service, he was granted leave of ab
sence and was obliged to be absent from the regiment until
November 10, 1864, when he again reported for duty. He
accompanied the regiment in the Gordonsville expedition,
and commanded a provisional brigade of which the regiment
formed a part.

Upon arriving in the vicinity of Gordonsville, the cross
ing of a stream was prevented by a Rebel battery on the
opposite side. Colonel Kellogg, with his brigade, was
ordered to proceed up the river several miles, where he ef
fected a crossing and drove the Rebel battery from its posi
tion, capturing two of its pieces, thus opening the road to
Gordonsville. Active service in the saddle again opened his
wounds and he was forced to resign his command. Later
he was ordered to the Springfield, Massachusetts, armory,
to serve on a board of commissioners to remodel the Spring
field musket, making it a breechloader.

Afterwards Colonel Kellogg was sent to West Point as
assistant professor of natural philosophy and astronomy.
He was mustered out of the U. S. volunteer service Decem
ber 17, 1864, and retired from the U. S. military service
February 6, 1865.

SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID.

When General Grant fought the battle of the Wilderness,
General P. H. Sheridan, with his entire cavalry corps —
about ten thousand strong — was temporarily detached from
the Army of the Potomac to demonstrate in the rear of
General Lee's army and cut his communication with Rich
mond. The expedition left Spottsylvania early in the morn
ing of May 9, 1864, and as each division, brigade and regi
ment took its regular place in that line which extended over
twelve miles in length, with its commander at the head
of the column, the scene was an inspiration to every trooper
that followed Sheridan's flag on that day. It made an im
pression on my mind I shall never forget.

After a forced march of some thirty or forty miles around
General Lee's right flank, the column made a short halt at
Chilisburg to close up and mass the command. After a
short rest we crossed the North Anna River and made a
dash for the Central Railroad at Beaver Dam Station, where
several trains loaded with supplies for General Lee's army
were captured. At this point we also recaptured about 500
prisoners, that had been captured during the battle of
the Wilderness, who were en route for Richmond. Beaver
Dam Station was one of General Lee's reserve stations,
about midway between his front and Richmond. It was so
far in the rear of his front that it was considered reason
ably safe to make it headquarters for his reserve supplies.
General P. H. Sheridan in his official report estimates that
stores amounting to 1,500,000 rations were destroyed at
this time. The men were permitted to replenish their haver
sacks and to secure forage for their horses as much as they
needed. What they could not use was burned. This bold
movement of General Sheridan must have been a great sur
prise to General J. E. B. Stuart, commander of the Rebel
cavalry, who, up to this time, had been such a terror to the
Union army, and had had things pretty much his own way.
General Sheridan had at least the advantage of a day's
march on him in the direction of striking at the very heart

SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID

of the Confederacy before General Stuart could possibly
intercept him.

But evidently General Sheridan did not care to continue
his forced marches and thus reach the Confederate capital
before General Stuart could overtake him. He was more
concerned in the destruction of the railroad which supplied
General Lee's army; and, more especially still, in giving an
opportunity to General Stuart for a fight in the open field
with, at least, equal chances. So, after destroying the rail
road station at Beaver Dam, and as much of the public pro
perty as possible until the following morning, we leisurely
followed the railroad leading to Richmond, tearing up the
tracks, burning railroad ties, telegraph poles and bridges,
and doing all the damage we could to such public property
as would be of assistance to General Lee's army. During
the day our rear was frequently attacked by General Stuart's
cavalry which had now followed us. We crossed the South
Anna River at Squirrel Bridge and camped for the night.
During the evening a savage attack was made upon our rear
which was easily repulsed without any serious results. The
Rebel cavalry now virtually abandoned our rear and flanks
and, during the night, by forced marches, placed itself be
tween General Sheridan's command and Richmond.

The following morning, May nth, we continued the
march in the direction of Richmond. Our brigade was in
the lead. Our advance was disputed almost continuously
during the day and several lively skirmishes were had. Ar
riving in the vicinity of Yellow Tavern, the Confederate
cavalry was met in force. Our entire brigade was then dis
mounted and advanced in extended order. Our line was
supported by General George H. Custer's brigade mounted.
As soon as our lines became exposed, we became a good
target for a Rebel battery which had taken a position on
some high ground in our immediate front. Their range
was too high for the dismounted men, but did consider
able damage in the ranks of the mounted troops. General
Custer's brigade now changed position, formed on the right
of the dismounted men, and the Second Division, (General
James H. Wilson's) was brought up to our support. In

SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID

full view of the dismounted men, General Custer's brigade
made a brilliant charge in echelon on the enemy's battery,
capturing four pieces of artillery and several hundred pris
oners. In the meantime the dismounted men joined in the
assault, the enemy's lines gave way, and, for a short time,
there was a general mixup.

It is claimed that it was at this critical moment, that the
Rebel General J. E. B. Stuart, followed by his staff and
flag, riding to the front for the purpose of rallying his
men, and thus becoming a good target for our men, was
shot from his horse and fatally wounded. There are sev
eral claims made as to who killed General Stuart. It has
been said that General Stuart fell mortally wounded direct
ly in front of the line where the Ninth New York Cavalry
charged dismounted. It is also claimed that he was shot
by private John A. Huff, of Company E, of the Fifth Michi
gan Cavalry. In regard to either one of these claims, it
seems rather strange to me that so important an occurrence,
if the facts were definitely known, should have remained
unwritten history these many years.

The defeat of the Confederate cavalry was complete so
that General Sheridan had control of the road leading to
Richmond; and, during the night, his whole command
marched to within about four miles of the city. Imme
diately after the enemy was driven from the field, our regi
ment advanced several miles on the Richmond Pike where
we stood to horse all night. It was a dreary night with
frequent showers of rain. When the column started about
daylight the following morning, May I2th, several torpedoes
which had been buried in the highway, exploded, killing
several horses. It was reported that some of the prisoners
who had been captured the day before, knew all about these
torpedoes in the road, so General Sheridan directed those
prisoners to be brought forward, and compelled them to
remove the wires connecting the torpedoes under penalty of
death in the event of any more explosions.

It was later learned that the authorities in the city of
Richmond made strenuous efforts during the night to pre
vent the Yankees from entering the city. All the govern-

SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID

ment employes in the city were under military orders, whilst
all able bodied men were urged to arm themselves and join
some military organization in defense of their city. These
were hurriedly assembled during the night and marched out
to the inner works of their fortifications. In addition to
these, General Bragg, of the Confederate army, who was in
command of the city, had sent to him a brigade of troops
who were stationed at Petersburg, Va. It is said that early
in the morning of May I2th, President Davis and General
Bragg went to the front to witness the capture of Sheridan's
cavalry. After having distributed the Rebel cavalry to
guard the several roads by which General Sheridan might
escape, the militia was placed in the inner lines of fortifica
tions. The authorities felt confident that these troops could
hold the approaches leading to the city in the direction of
General Sheridan's advance.

CROSSING THE CHICKAHOMINY.

Although General Sheridan had gained a glorious victory
the day before at Yellow Tavern, it was evident that the
longer he remained in the vicinity of Richmond, the more
troops would be massed against him and in defense of the
Confederate capital. During the night after the battle of
Yellow Tavern, he advanced his line toward Richmond un
til he was between the inner and outer works which defend
ed the city. This evidently was for the purpose of making
a feint as though he meant to enter the city. At the same
time the main portion of his command made a sharp left
turn in the direction of the Chickahominy River, expecting
to cross that stream at Meadow Bridge. At this point the
land is low and swampy, and while the stream is shallow,
the recent heavy rains had caused it to overflow its banks,
so that the soft ground made it impossible to ford it. The
only available bridge in the vicinity had been partially des
troyed, and the enemy's cavalry were strongly posted on the
opposite side. But, with the aid of a company of sharpshoot
ers and a battery, our pioneers who were repairing the bridge
were fairly well protected. As soon as the bridge was con
structed the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry and the Ninth

SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID

New York Cavalry charged over the bridge, deployed and
engaged the enemy.

Comrade A. Shockey of Company G of our regiment, in
a letter to Lieutenant H. G. Bonebrake, referring to the
battle of Meadow Bridge, gives the following account of it,
viz.

" After the great cavalry fight at Yellow Tavern, the ob
ject of General Sheridan's Raid was accomplished, namely,
to destroy Lee's communication with Richmond and to de
feat General Stuart's cavalry in an open fight. Before the
dawn of day of May 12, 1864, we were on the move on the
road leading to Chickahominy River. It had rained all
night. The morning was damp and a heavy fog hung over
the Chickahominy Swamp. The swollen river was in our
front, too marshy to be forded ; and all the forces the Rebels
could muster from the city of Richmond, joined Stuart's
cavalry in pressing our rear very hard. Skirmishing com
menced early in the morning and soon the cannons were
booming, and the crack of the musket and carbine made
it appear as though things were becoming interesting. The
Rebels, from the amount of cheering they indulged in, evi
dently thought they had Sheridan trapped and were confi
dent of bagging him. Upon our arrival at the bridge, we
found it to be an old rickety thing, partly destroyed, with
the enemy posted on the opposite side. The First Squadron
of our regiment was dismounted and, in reconnoitering for
a place to cross, discovered a skeleton of a railroad bridge
a short distance below. So, with carbines in hand, we
straddled over the bridge and deployed along the bank of
the stream. We entered the swamp to the left of the road,
but found the enemy too strong to dislodge them. We kept
concealed in the brushes as much as possible, while the
Rebels continued an indiscriminate fire in our direction with
out doing us much damage.

Beyond the swamp, a short distance to the left of the
road, is a large open space of worn-out bottom land, in
circular form, or rather in goose-neck fashion, with a dense
thicket on the left. It is claimed that, in the long ago, the
name of the bridge was derived from a meadow located

6— 17th R.

SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID

there. The small detachment which had worked
its way across the river was not strong enough to charge
the hastily contructed breastworks of the enemy, but we
occupied their attention until re-enforcements could be sent
across the river. In the meatime we listened to the music
of the battle in our rear across the river. The tumult on
the Richmond side of the river, the roar of cannon, the
sharp crack of the carbine, the cheering of the boys and the
rollicking notes of the bugle, made it one of the most
thrilling and memorable events of my war experience.
After the bridge was repaired, the first regiment to rush
across was the balance of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania
Cavalry, followed by the Ninth New York Cavalry, who
immediately massed and charged across the meadow, driv
ing the enemy out of their breastworks. To come out of
our hiding place into the open field in full view of the enemy,
tried our nerves. But we had the advantage of a heavy fog
and a drizzling rain which prevented the smoke of battle
from rising. When the line was ready to charge, it was
almost like a deep twilight.

"The men took up the cheer and made a quick dash
across the meadow. The Rebels, evidently, were not pre
pared for such a sudden rush, and, before they could rally
they were forced out of their temporary breastworks. Thus
the obstruction to our advance was removed, and Sheridan
was master of the situation. Our regiment lost a number
of men in this engagement, among them Lieutenant J. A.
Shultz, of Company C, who was killed. His remains
were wrapped in a blanket, and buried by the side of the
road less than two hours after his death. A shell struck the
soft earth a short distance in front of Comrade Brooks, of
Company A, and exploded beneath his feet, throwing him
some distance in the air. As he fell to the ground unhurt,
he sprang to his feet, laughed and resumed his place in the
line as though nothing unusual had happened."

After General Sheridan's command was safely across the
Chickahominy, the dead buried and the wounded made as
comfortable as possible, the march was continued in the
afternoon as far as Gaines Mill where we went into camp

SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID

for the night. As we had been almost continuously in the
saddle for four days and four nights, the men were per
mitted to unsaddle, build fires and enjoy a good night's rest.
During the four days we had been absent from the main
army, we had not only defeated General Stuart's cavalry in
an open fight at Yellow Tavern and killed their famous
leader, but defeated them again at Meadow Bridge when
their cavalry was augmented by at least five thousand
militia troops, and, in addition, had struck a severe blow and
inflicted heavy losses upon General Lee's army.

During the night, as the boys gathered around their camp-
fires, many incidents of daring and narrow escapes were
detailed, and the men were jubilant and enthusiastic over
what had been accomplished. It was the first opportunity
the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac had had to show
what they could do under an efficient leader. The praises
of General P. H. Sheridan were upon every lip and the
shouts of victory were heard frequently in various parts of
the camp.

May I3th, we marched to Gaines Mill, and on May I4th
we crossed the Chickahominy River at Bottom Bridge and
marched to Malvern Hill, where we camped for several
days and were supplied with rations and forage from Gen
eral Butler's command. Here too the prisoners and the
artillery we had captured were turned over to the provost
marshall of General Butler's army, and the wounded and
sick were put in hospitals. May I7th, a reconnoissance was
made to New Market and Camp Hally. May iSth, we
crossed the Chickahominy River at Jones' Bridge and
marched to Baltimore Store, bivouacking there for the night.
May 2ist we marched to near White House. The bridge
across the Pamunkey River at this point having been des
troyed, it became necessary to reconstruct it. Several ferry
boats in the river were lashed together, anchored and then
covered with lumber procured from buildings and railroad
stringers collected and transported for quite a distance. In
less than twenty-four hours, with the crudest material and
poorest facilities, a bridge, almost one mile long, was con-

SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID

structed, over which the entire command passed without the
loss of a single gun or wagon.

While the bridge was in course of construction, several
attempts were made by the Rebel cavalry to force our rear
column, but these were handsomely repulsed each time.
General Wesley Merritt, in his official report, referring to
the construction of the bridge across the Pamunkey River
says : "Much credit is due both officers and men engaged in
this work for the prompt and energetic manner in which
they discharged their duty. An abutment and several spans
of the bridge had to be replaced entirely, many stringers to
be supplied, and the flooring for the entire bridge collected
and transported from a considerable distance."

May 22d, we crossed the Pamunkey River during the
night, and on May 23d marched to Mattapony ; on the 24th,
to Reedy Swamp ; and, on the 25th, to Chesterfield Station,
where we joined the Army of the Potomac again and went
into camp.

During the raid many colored people joined the column
and had a severe time to keep up with the command. This
raid was generally regarded as a great success. General
Sheridan was highly complimented, and although the men
who followed him on this raid suffered a great deal from
the excessive heat and dust, they were proud that they be
longed to Sheridan's cavalry.

J. Q. ANDERSON.
Colonel, Heaver Falls

Pa.

COLONEL J. Q. ANDERSON.

James Quigley Anderson was born July 5, 1837, in Brigh
ton township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, ttear the county
seat. His father, Hugh B. Anderson, was a farmer. There
were two children in the family, a son and daughter. James
was the oldest. His father and mother were Presbyterians,
Mr. Anderson being an elder in the Beaver Presbyterian
Church for many years. His son received his early educa
tion in the district school. The school term consisted of
six months each year, and during the summer and fall
months James worked on his father's farm. Some time in
the early fifties his parents left their farm and took up
their residence in Beaver, where his father engaged in the
mercantile business.

Soon after locating in Beaver, James entered the Beaver
Academy, and remained there during his early manhood
days. He was a close student, not only in the day school,
but equally so in the Sabbath-school. He had the reputa
tion of being candid, courageous and independent ; a man of
regular and temperate habits, who laid deep and strong the
foundation of an unblemished character, carrying himself
with dignity, and yet with grace and courtesy.

After his graduation in the Beaver Academy, his parents
placed him at school in one of the eastern colleges, where he
took a course of civil engineering. He returned from school
in 1859, soon after accepted a position under the govern
ment, and was sent to the State of Missouri, where he fol
lowed his chosen profession, civil engineering. Later he
\\as transferred to the State of Kansas and assisted in the
survey of the territory on which now stands Kansas City.
He remained there until the summer of 1862, when Presi
dent Lincoln issued his call for three hundred thousand vol
unteers to serve three years, or during the war. It was at
this time that young Anderson's spirit, having been caught
up by the flaming enthusiasm which swept like a prairie fire
throughout the North, hastened to his native county of
Beaver to offer his services to his country.

COLONEL J. Q. ANDERSON

Mr. Anderson was instrumental in obtaining authority
from the governor of Pennsylvania to recruit a company of
volunteer cavalry, which later became Company A of the
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. This regiment was or
ganized at Harrisburg on the i8th day of October, 1862.

James Quigley Anderson was commissioned first lieuten
ant of Company A, September 6, 1862; promoted to captain
December 13, 1862; to major, June 13, 1863; to lieutenant-
colonel, April 30, 1864; to colonel, January 23, 1865; dis
charged, by General Order, June 20, 1865.

Colonel Anderson for some months previous to the close
of the war had been in poor health. Notwithstanding his
enfeebled health, he was in the saddle early and late, ever
prompt and efficient, and especially so during an engagement
with the enemy. During the last year of his service his
faithful orderly, Mr. McBrier, of Company A, was ever at
his side to assist him to mount his horse.

When in battle, though weak and scarcely able to ride,
his voice, in giving commands, was strong, clear and dis
tinct, so that it could be heard all along the line. A short
time before the close of the war, Colonel Anderson became
very much reduced by disease, which caused him to retire
from service. When in command of his regiment he took
a personal interest in every detail of camp and march. His
earnest solicitude for the comfort and safety of his men
endeared him to every one of his command. He was al
ways with the boys in the thickest of the fight, had receiv
ed several slight wounds, and had several horses killed
from under him. He was highly esteemed by both the offi
cers and rank and file of his regiment.

He was a man of recognized ability, and of the most ex
alted character, with a classic face and superb form. Tall,
erect and commanding, he would have been selected among
thousands of men as the ideal soldier. His very presence
commanded respect and inspired confidence. None who saw
Colonel Anderson doubted his certain promotion to still
higher command, if his life had been spared.

Shortly after his return to his native town of Beaver, the
chivalrous soldier, the noble-hearted gentleman was fur-

COLONEL J. Q. ANDERSON

loughed, forever furloughed from earth, battles and care.
He died at his father's home in Beaver, October 16, 1865,
and was laid to rest in the Beaver cemetery near the home
of his birth, where he will sleep until the roll call sounds
on the other shore.

SHERIDAN'S TREVILIAN RAID.

Owing to the severe service of the cavalry during the
month of May, 1864, quite a good many men and horses
were disabled and the effective force of the cavalry was
reduced very materially.

On June 5, 1864, an order was issued from headquarters
to have all the sick and dismounted men sent to White
House Landing, and, on June 6, 1864, three days' ra
tions, two days' feed for the horses and sixty rounds of
ammunition were issued ; and, on the same day, Generals Al
fred T. A. Torbert and D. Me. M. Gregg's divisions were
concentrated at New Castle, Va. Here they were joined by
reserve ammunition wagons, one medical wagon, eight am
bulances and a small bridge of canvas pontoons. To the
subordinate officers and men this move looked like another
raid. Much reticence was observed, and evidently but
very few were informed of the contemplated movement.

On June 7, 1864, General P. H. Sheridan arrived in
camp, and immediately the command was in motion, cross
ing the Pamunkey River at New Castle and marching to
near Aylett's, where we camped for the night. Early on
the morning of June 8th, we marched to Pole Cat Station,
about eight miles from Chesterfield. June 9, 1864, we fol
lowed the North Anna River, and bivouacked for the night
at North East Creek. On the morning of June loth, the
command passed near the old battlefield of Spottsylvania
Court House, .where a Union and Confederate hospital was
located. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry was detail
ed to proceed to the hospital, to bring with them such of the
Union prisoners as could be moved. Arriving at the hospi
tal, a formal surrender was demanded, after which all the
disabled Confederates were paroled, and those who could
be moved, both Union and Confederates, were brought with
us.

By this diversion we lost fully one day's march in keep
ing up with the main column, and were obliged to make a
forced march, day and night. During the night we were
greatly harassed by bushwhackers, who followed the column

SHERIDAN'S TREVILIAN RAID

and fired upon our men as opportunity offered. We caught
up with the commands near Trevilian Station during the
afternoon of June nth, and found it heavily engaged. We
were immediately ordered on the field in support of other
troops, but, as my memory serves me now, we took no part
in the fight that day. The fighting was renewed the fol
lowing morning.

At a critical moment during the engagement, General
Sheridan rode up to General Devin, our brigade comman
der, and asked him if he had a regiment that could break
the enemy's line in yonder woods. General Devin replied,
"Yes, I have," and sent for the Ninth New York Cavalry,
Colonel William Sackett, commanding. The regiment
promptly responded, and was ordered to dismount. Colonel
Sackett received his orders from General Sheridan and was
advised to move into the woods cautiously, when he re
plied, "All hell cannot stop my men." The men, with
Colonel Sackett in the lead, sprang into the woods. About
fifty officers and men fell, but the enemy was routed.

The whole line then advanced, with the Seventeenth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry in support. The new
York Dragoons and the Fourth New York Cavalry also ad
vanced on the flanks, and about one hundred prisoners were
captured. The fighting continued all day. The forces were
about evenly divided, and seemingly no decided advantage
was gained on either side. Because General Sheridan's
ammunition was almost exhausted, and because of the large
number of wounded to be taken care of, he withdrew from
the field during the night of the I2th of June, 1864, taking
with him about three hundred men wounded and about the
same number of prisoners. About one hundred or more
wounded were left in hurriedly constructed hospitals in
charge of a surgeon. General Sheridan in his official re
port of this expedition reported a loss of about three hun
dred men killed and captured, of which number the Seven
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry had its proportionate share.
The return march was made virtually over the same route
as the advance, recrossing the North Anna River at Car
penter's Ford, June 13, 1864.

SHERIDAN'S TREVILIAN RAID

June 1 4th, we reached Shady Grove.

June 1 5th, we camped near Guinea Station.

June 1 6th, we passed through Bowling Green.

June 1 7th, and i8th, we made short marches along the
Mattapony River until we reached King and Queen Court
House.

Having been cut off from our base of supplies for about
ten days and the country through which we passed being
almost barren, we experienced some trouble foraging enough
subsistence and forage to keep soul and body together un
til we arrived at White House Landing, on the Pamunkey
River, where provisions and feed were obtained.

For want of a sufficient number of ambulances, the
wounded were carried in conveyances of almost every con
ceivable description; and because of the intense heat and
dusty roads, they suffered much discomfort. Many horses
became worn out and for want of feed were abandoned
along the route.

The command reached King and Queen Court House,
June 19, 1864, where the wounded, prisoners, dismounted
men, and one thousand or more negroes, men, women and
children who had followed the column, were sent, under an
escort, to West Point where they were delivered to the
United States authorities.

The following day, June 20, 1864, we reached the Pa
munkey River where a large quantity of government sup
plies was stored under the protection of several United
States gunboats and a few regiments of colored troops.

Here we expected a few days' rest, but the Rebel cavalry
had followed us and were now threatening an attack. Gen
eral Thomas C. Devin's brigade and a few shells from one
of the gunboats drove them from the field.

On June 21, 1864, Sheridan's cavalry, together with all
the supply trains and colored troops, crossed the Pamunkey
River on the old railroad bridge which had been reconstruct
ed during the previous day and night. After the troops had
all crossed the river, General Devin's brigade moved towards
Baltimore Cross Roads where the regiment soon encountered
the enemy and had a sharp engagement, driving him across

SHERIDAN'S TREVILIAN RAID

the Chickahominy River. On the morning of June 22,
1864, our entire division (General Torbert's) was sent to
Jones' Bridge to secure the crossing, and, during the night,
all the wagons and troops crossed safely to the south side of
the Chickahominy River. The following day, June 23, our
brigade — General Devin's — moved up the river and, when
in the vicinity of Long Bridge, encountered the enemy in
force. A sharp fight ensued in which we were supported
by the colored troops.

On July 24, 1864, General Torbert's division, with the
wagon train, moved to Charles City Court House, while Gen
eral Gregg's division engaged the enemy who made a deter
mined effort during the day to capture our train. A night
attack was threatened and we stood to horse all night, but
were not disturbed. June 25, 1864, tne command reached
Windham's Landing on the James River, where, after es
tablishing a strong rear picket line, we went into camp. Here
during the 26th and 2/th of June, 1864, all the wagons were
ferried across the James River, and the following day, June
28, 1864, the troops crossed on a pontoon bridge, and we
were once more with General Meade's army, now on the
south side of the James River, and went into camp. Here
we surely thought we would get a much needed rest, but,
at 4 p. m., June 29, 1864, the bugles sounded "Boots and
Saddles," and the regiment, with the rest of the cavalry, was
marched hurriedly to Prince George Court House and stood
to horse all night. The third division of the Cavalry Corps
(General Wilson's) was badly defeated in a reconnoissance
and attempt to cut the Weldon Railroad.

July 3, 1864, we marched to near Light House Point on
the James River and went into camp. July 4, 1864, a na^-
ional salute was fired by one of the gunboats on the river,
and, during the night, we witnessed some fireworks that
were set off at City Point. Here, too, we were served with
canned and fresh fruits and other delicacies which were dis
tributed to the troops by the Sanitary Commission. These
were very much appreciated by the men. We also received
three months' pay, and there were good opportunities to re
plenish our wardrobe which had been reduced to the scant-

SHERIDAN'S TREVILIAN RAID

iest necessities. The entire Cavalry Corps remained in
this vicinity for about three weeks, thus giving the men and
horses a much needed rest. Worn out horses were condemn
ed and new ones received, but not near enough to remount
all the men who were dismounted. In view of the contem
plated transfer of two of the cavalry divisions to the Shen-
andoah Valley, about 2,000 dismounted men were sent on
United State transports to Washington, D. C., and thence
to Camp Stoneman where they were remounted and sent
to their respective commands.

July 1 6, 1864, Colonel Devin's entire brigade, to which the
regiment belonged, was sent to the extreme left of General
Meade's army to do picket duty. July 21, 1864, the officers
of the brigade presented Colonel Thomas C. Devin with a
fine horse and complete horse equipments, valued at $300.

There was general rejoicing and good cheer on the occa
sion. One of the special features was the splendid music fur
nished by the Seventeenth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry
Band during the ceremonies. The band also gave a concert
at brigade headquarters in the evening and late into the
night.

By July 26, 1864, a mine had been completed under one
of the Confederate forts in front of General Burnside's
corps. Preparations were made for a general advance of
the Union army at the time of the explosion of the mine.
Four o'clock on the morning of July 30, 1864, was the time
fixed for the explosion. To make the surprise more effec
tive, General Grant made a demonstration on General Lee's
right. So on July 26, 1864, the entire Cavalry Corps was
concentrated at Deep Bottom, while, during the night, the
Second Corps, commanded by General Winfield S. Hancock,
crossed the James River. All night the infantry passed in
front of our lines while we were waiting. About daylight
on the morning of the 27th, the cavalry followed the Sec
ond Corps. Before the cavalry had all crossed, we heard
the booming of cannon, and the cavalry were hurried to the
front to protect General Hancock's flank. The cavalry ad
vanced on the New Market Road as far as Darbytown. The
enemy evidently were completely surprised.

SHERIDAN'S TREVILIAN RAID

The cavalry scouted the country in every direction watch
ing the enemy's movements. While frequent skirmishes oc
curred, general engagements were avoided. It was soon
discovered, however, that the Confederates were being rein
forced, and the engagement in the vicinity of Darbytown be
came general. A new line was formed, with the Seventeenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry on the left and the Sixth New York
Cavalry on the right.

A charge resulted in driving the enemy back, a number
of prisoners and several battle-flags being captured. Skir
mishing was kept up continuously, July 2Qth and 3Oth,
shifting from one position to another without bringing on a
general engagement, thus keeping up the deception, and
causing General Lee to transfer a large portion of his forces
to the north side of the James River, while General Grant's
real purpose was to attack General Lee on the south side of
the river, or in his immediate front.

On the night of July 30, 1864, the Second Corps and the
greater portion of the cavalry recrossed the James River for
the purpose of taking part in the assault after the explosion
of the mine. This took place at 4:45 a. m., and, as far as
the explosion itself was concerned, was a success. But for
some reasons, which have never been fully explained, the
assault was badly managed, resulting in a failure to accom
plish what had been expected by those who planned the
scheme.

About this time the Confederate General J. Early, with
an army of about 20,000 troops, became alarmingly active in
the Shenandoah Valley, again threatening Maryland and
Pennsylvania. July 30, 1864 , Chambersburg was burned,
and all sorts of wild rumors were afloat that General
Early's army was laying waste all southern Pennsylvania.
The constantly disturbing conditions so far north made
it necessary to confront the Confederate army with a force
strong enough to prevent any further raids and excursions
into Maryland and Pennsylvania. So, on July 31, 1864,
General P. H. Sheridan was placed in command of the
Department of the Shenandoah, with an army sufficiently
strong to drive General Early -from the Shenandoah Valley.

COLONEL COE DURLAND.

Colonel Coe Durland was born in Greenville, Orange
county, in the state of New York, October 31, 1832. He
was a son of John H. Durland, a merchant. He attended
the public schools and later received a practical training in
mercantile pursuits. In 1858 he removed to Honesdale,
Wayne county, Pennsylvania, and there entered into busi
ness, which he successfully continued until 1862. He was
then in the prime of his early manhood, thirty years of age,
and full of life and energy, but decided to sacrifice all his
business prospects, if necessary, in aiding an imperiled coun
try. He was active in recruiting a company locally known
as the "Wayne County Cavalry." On the organization of
the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, he was
commissioned major and, in November, 1862, the regiment
was sent to the front. From that time until the close of the
war Colonel Durland's record is a prominent part of the
history of the regiment. Colonel Durland possessed many
of the elements that contribute to the efficiency and succcess
of an officer in command of men. He won their respect and
confidence. He was ever at his post of duty. No hardships
or dangers drew him aside. Personal bravery was quite
conspicuous in his career and was tested on many a battle
field. He had command of the regiment in at least thirty-
three engagements in which the regiment participated. In
one of these he received a slight scalp wound from a minnie
ball, and during his entire service had five horses shot from
under him. At the battle of Five Forks, of the thirteen
commissioned officers of the regiment who went into that
fight, six were killed or wounded. He was always with the
regiment, discharging duty and bearing every privation inci
dent to the service ; stimulating his men by his example, di
recting their movements with a readiness and judgment that
won for him the reputation of being one of the best field
officers in the Cavalry Corps. His bravery never failed him
and was an inspiration to the men he commanded. At his

O>K DrRLANl).

Colonel, Honesdale, Pa.

COLONEL COE DURLAND

funeral the author, H. P. Moyer, through the officiating
chaplain, paid him the following tribute :

"Because of the love and esteem I bear for my old com
mander and comrade, Colonel Coe Durland, I am prompted
in this public way to pay my last tribute of respect to the
memory of an old and highly esteemed friend. My acquaint
ance with Colonel Coe Durland was principally from a mili
tary standpoint, as the commanding officer of the Seven
teenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, of which
regiment we were associate members. Personally I always
considered myself fortunate to serve under his command
and thus to learn to know him so well. It gives me great
pleasure to express the opinion that no braver and better
qualified officer ever commanded a regiment than he. From
the time he took command of the regiment until the day it
was mustered out of the service, he did all for the honor
and success of the regiment that any officer of similar rank
could reasonably be expected to do. His presence among
the men of the regiment always inspired hope and confi
dence. He loved his men and always seemed anxious for
their welfare and comfort. Because of his bravery, good
judgment and popularity, both among the officers and the
rank and file, to him more than to any other officer was the
regiment indebted for its illustrious record and the many
favorable official recognitions of its distinguished service.
Colonel Durland was not possessed with that brilliant and
dazzling oratory which frequently captivates the public
mind, but for good judgment, firmness of purpose and con
scientious discharge of duty, he commanded the respect of
all who came in contact with him. In one of the darkest
periods of our nation's history, possibly the most critical
period, he realized his duty to his country and became one of
its ablest and most faithful defenders, and lived long enough
to see and enjoy the prosperity of his country he so gallant
ly helped to save."

In 1878, when the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry Association, was organized, composed
entirely of survivors of the old regiment, Colonel Durland
became its first honored president, which position he held at

COLONEL COE DURLAND

the time of his death, and the fact that he never failed to
be present at any of the annual reunions of the survivors of
the regiment evidences the interest he took in the associa
tion.

His generous donation, in which he was joined by Colonel
W. Thompson, of the same regiment, enabled the survivors
of the regiment to erect, at Gettysburg, one of the finest and
most artistic monuments on the battlefield, a fitting and last
ing tribute to the memory of the regiment he had the dis
tinguished honor to command. He is dead, but his rare
qualities will remain as pleasant memories to those who
knew him best.

The following is his military record : Elected first lieuten
ant of Company M, Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry, September 27, 1862 ; elected captain,
October 23, 1862; elected major, November 20, 1862; elect
ed lieutenant-colonel, February 13, 1865; brevetted colonel
U. S. volunteers, March 13, 1865, for conspicuous gallantry
in action.

In closing this tribute we give a brief summary of his
character.

In business affairs he was an example of commercial in
tegrity. As a citizen, influential, patriotic and loyal. As a
soldier, brave; as an officer, skillful ; as a man, philanthropic,
unostentatious and magnanimous.

After the war, Colonel Durland returned to the pursuits
of peaceful industry. He was the founder of the Durland-
Thompson Shoe Manufacturing Company, in Honesdale,
Pa. Much of the fame of Honesdale as a manufacturing
town is due to Colonel Durland. His business record is
without reproach ; as an employer of men he was kind and
considerate.

His home life was most affectionate and beautiful, full
of thoughtfulness for wife and children, regarding each
one with warmest affection, finding in home the most enjoy
able society, the dearest spot on earth.

The colonel's death occurred October 22, 1903, and was
sudden and unexpected. The funeral services were held at
the family residence in Waynesboro, Pa., October 26, 1903.

COLONEL COE BORLAND

Rev. Henry Wheeler, chaplain of the Seventeenth Regi
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, delivered the funeral
discourse, and neighbors and comrades carried him to his
final resting-place. Amid the silence that followed the bene
diction the bugle notes of "taps" were sounded, and the last
token of respect that could be tendered to Colonel Coe Dur-
land was performed.

7— 17th R.

TRANSFER OF THE REGIMENT FROM THE

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC TO THE

ARMY OF THE SHENANDOAH.

On the third day of August, 1864, the regiment, with the
brigade and division, embarked at City Point, Virginia, on
transports for Washington, D. C., arriving at Guisborough,
just below Washington, August 6th, where it disembarked.
During the night of August 6th, it marched through George
town, the city of Washington and beyond as far as Tan-
nellytown, Maryland, where it arrived shortly after mid
night and made a short stop. Marching the regiment
through the city of Washington, during the night, was the
subject of much complaint on the part, of the men, and
the officers of the regiment experienced considerable trouble
in keeping the men in line. As a result of the restraint the
men amused themselves by repeated and rousing cheers for
"Honest Abraham Lincoln" and the various cabinet officers
down to the minutest officials in the War and other Public
Departments.

August 7th, — we marched through Rockville, Darnes-
town, and Dawsonville, Maryland, and camped, for the
night, at Monacacy Church.

August 8th, — The march was continued through Point
of Rocks, Petersville, and Knoxville to Pleasant Valley,
Maryland, where we again camped for the night.

August 9th, — We crossed the Potomac River at Harper's
Ferry, marched to Halltown, went into camp for the night
and were again on Virginia soil.

August loth, — We marched several miles beyond Charles-
town where we joined the other cavalry commands which
had preceded us. We were hopeful that here we would
get a few days' rest, but the following day, August nth,
the entire Cavalry Corps made a reconnoissance down the
Shenandoah Valley, following the Front Royal Pike, and
met the enemy in force in the vicinity of Newtown. Our
brigade advanced on the right side of the pike, and found
the enemy strongly entrenched behind stone walls. In a
mounted charge, we failed to dislodge them and were re-

TRANSFER OF THE REGIMENT

pulsed with heavy losses. The Sixth New York and Sev
enteenth Pennsylvania were then dismounted, ordered to
construct temporary breastworks, and repulsed several
charges made by the enemy. In the meantime the Re
serve Brigade engaged the enemy on the left side of the
pike. The entire line again advanced, and the Seventeenth
Pennsylvania, Sixth New York, and Ninth New York, in
the order named, successfully charged the enemy's lines,
driving them from the field in great confusion, capturing
a number of prisoners.

August 1 2th, — The brigade marched to Newtown, and
our regiment was sent out on a reconnoitering expedition
in the direction of Cedar Creek ; but, outside of picking up
a few stragglers, nothing of special interest occurred. In
the evening the regiment joined the command which had
during the day moved to Middletown.

August I3th, — The entire Second Brigade of our division
crossed Cedar Creek and marched to near Strasburg. Scout
ing parties were sent out in various directions, but no enemy
was found. The brigade recrossed Cedar Creek the same
day and joined the division in the vicinity of Middletown
and camped for the night.

August 1 4th, — The brigade moved to Cedarville, and our
regiment made a reconnoissance on the road leading to
Front Royal, returning during the night.

August 1 5th, — More troops arrived, indicating a general
engagement. During the afternoon of the :6th, a large
force of the Rebel cavalry crossed the river at Front Royal
and vigorously attacked the Ninth New York Cavalry who
were picketing the Front Royal Pike. Although this regi
ment was largely outnumbered, about one half of the men
being dismounted and having an advantageous position, the
Ninth held the enemy in check until the Seventeenth Penn
sylvania and the Sixth New York were placed in support
and later, charged the enemy, driving them across the river
again, capturing a battle-flag and a number of prisoners.

August 1 7th, — Early in the morning the regiment march
ed to Nineveh, W. Va., and in the afternoon to near Chapel
Run where it was assigned to picket duty.

TRANSFER OF THE REGIMENT

August 1 9th, — Colonel Cesnola, of the Fourth New
York Cavalry, assumed command of the Second Brigade,
Colonel Thomas C. Devin, its distinguished commander,
having been wounded at Front Royal, W. Va.

August 2Oth, — The regiment retired to Berryville, W. Va.,
and did picket duty during the night. The following morn
ing, August 2 ist, the Reserve Brigade was heavily attacked
by the Rebel infantry on the Winchester Pike, and our bri
gade was hurried to their support. Later in the day, our
regiment covered the retirement of the Union forces in
the direction of Charlestown, and during the night did
picket duty, whilst those who were not on picket stood to
horse all night.

August 22d, — The entire brigade reconnoitered in the
direction of Shepherdstown. The regiment was advanced
to near Shepherdstown and did picket duty during the
night.

August 25th, — The brigade aga'in reconnoitered in the
direction of Kearnsville, and soon became heavily engaged
with the Rebel infantry. Because of the enemy having
weapons of longer range than our carbines, we suffered
severely. On account of this disadvantage and their su
perior numbers, we were ordered to retire slowly and await
reinforcements, which were slow in coming up. We were
closely followed by the enemy all day. In one of the posi
tions we had taken, near Shepherdstown, we were at once
vigorously attacked. In this engagement Colonel Coe Dur-
land was ordered to charge with his regiment, and open
communication with the First Brigade, which had been cut
off. The regiment charged gallantly, driving the enemy
back into a woods, but were there met by a new line and
later were repulsed. In this charge Lieutenant Jacob
Potter, of Company G, was killed. The regiment suffered
heavily at this point. We had exhausted our ammunition and
were retired to near Bolivar Heights where ammunition and
other supplies were issued to us.

August 28th, — The brigade was again on the march up
the valley. We met the enemy's cavalry at Leetown and
drove them as far as Smithfield. The fight was renewed

TRANSFER OF THE REGIMENT

on the morning of the 29th, our regiment occupying the
extreme left of the line of our division. After several skir
mishes with the enemy, we slowly retired, maintaining our
alignment with our brigade front.

The following day, August 3Oth, we marched to Berry-
ville and went into camp. During the next ten days the
regiment was almost constantly in the saddle.

September 2d, — We reconnoitered in the direction of
Rippon, and, finding no enemy we returned to near Berry-
ville the same night. September 3d, — Our entire division
marched through Berryville to White Post and reconnoitered
in the direction of Front Royal. In the meantime the Rebel
infantry had moved out the Winchester Pike as far as Berry
ville. When General Torbert, who was in command of our
division, returned, finding Berryville occupied by the Rebels,
he was obliged to leave the road and make a detour over
the hills and fields of Berryville, and in so doing his flank
was attacked by the enemy. The Sixth New York Cavalry,
which was in the advance on the return march, was com
pletely taken by surprise and thrown into some confusion
for a short time. Our regiment was in the rear of the Sixth
New York and was double quicked to the front in its sup
port. A short but spirited engagement followed in which
the entire division became engaged. That night we stood
to horse, and early the following morning we moved to the
right of our infantry line near Summit Point.

September 5th, — A heavy rainstorm set in and continued
for several days during which we remained in camp. Sep
tember 8th, the regiment marched to Smithfield, and, on the
9th, was sent to picket a ford on the Opequon River. Dur
ing the day a strong force of the Rebel infantry appeared
on the opposite side of the river, drove off our pickets and
crossed the river. A sharp skirmish ensued, during which
a part of our regiment was dismounted and held the enemy
in check until the Ninth New York and the Sixth New
York came to our support. In this skirmish Captain Martin
R. Reinhold, then commanding Company I, was killed. Com
pany I, being one of the companies that was dismounted,
was subject to a terrific fire from the enemy's infantry

TRANSFER OF THE REGIMENT

when they were retired from the skirmish line, having lost
a number of men.

On the 9th day of September, the First New York
Dragoons, under command of Colonel Alfred Gibbs, joined
our brigade. Colonel Gibbs commanded the brigade until
the I9th of September, when Colonel Thomas C. Devin re
turned and again took command of the brigade. Colonel
Devin had been wounded in the battle of Front Royal and
sent to the hospital. Under date of September Qth, Colonel
Alfred Gibbs, of the First New York Dragoons, made the
following official report: — "I have the honor to report that
I have assumed command of the Second Brigade, First
Cavalry Division, last night. I proceeded with the brigade
this morning up the Opequon River. I have burned all the
mills from Smithfield to the railroad, except a small one be
low where we struck the stream, which will be dealt with at
once in a like incendiary manner. We met opposition at
each point, but prevailed on the enemy to leave. We have
captured one lieutenant and five men, who will be sent to
your headquarters. I am returning to my camp.

"Respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALFRED GIBBS, Colonel First New York Dragoons."

"To Captain, A. E. Dana, Adjt. Gen.
First Cavalry Division."

September nth, — the regiment escorted a supply train to
Charlestown and, on the I3th, performed a similar service
from Charlestown to the front. On the I5th and i6th, the
regiment did picket duty on the Opequon River. The Rebel
pickets on the opposite side were quite friendly, and tobacco
newspapers, coffee and other articles were exchanged.

September iSth, — The entire division was concentrated in
the vicinity of Summit Point preparatory to a general move
ment.

September iQth, — We were early in the saddle but did
not move until about noon when we crossed the Opequon
River, at Steven's Ford on the Charlestown Road, about
three miles below Berryville. We advanced rapidly along the

TRANSFER OF THE REGIMENT

Charlestown Road until we came to within about one mile
from the Winchester Pike when a short halt was made,
and a line of. battle, in regimental front, was formed. The
Second Brigade was in the advance and the Seventeenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry was in the lead of the brigade.

When the formation of the line was completed, two
guns were fired in rapid succession, as the signal for the
advance. Then the bugle at brigade headquarters sounded,
in quick succession, "Forward, trot, charge." The country
across which we advanced was mostly open fields, affording
splendid opportunities for cavalry movements. About one
mile from the starting point we approached the Winchester
Pike where we struck the enemy with such force that their
line was utterly broken. We captured several battle-flags
and about fifteen hundred prisoners. The fighting was con
tinued till after dark, driving the enemy through Winches
ter like a whirlwind.

BREVET LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILLIAM
THOMPSON.

Brevet Lieutenant-colonel William Thompson was born
May 22, 1834, at Pottsville, Schuylkill county, Pa. He was
of Scotch lineage and his American ancestry dates to 1735,
when John and James Thompson came to Pennsylvania and
took up their residence in Chester county. William Thomp
son, the grandfather of Colonel William Thompson, served
in the Revolutionary War. His father, Samuel Thompson,
was born in 1792, and died in Pottsville, Pa., in 1851.

In Colonel Thompson's early life he received the most
careful business training and held positions of honor and
trust which brought to him large financial rewards. Wlien
the War of the Rebellion broke out he had not reached the
age of twenty-seven years, yet he had already taken high
rank as a business man in the town of his birth, and was at
the head of a well-established and profitable banking con
cern.

Full of patriotic ardor, his impulse was to go at once to
the front, but the exactions of his position were such that in
justice to others, as well as himself, some months of delay
were unavoidable before he felt justified in following the
trend of his inclinations and becoming an active defender of
the Union. In September, 1862, War Governor Andrew G.
Curtin gave him authority to recruit a cavalry company in
Schuylkill county, and within two months he was mustered
into service as captain of Company H, Seventeenth Penn
sylvania Cavalry, which belonged to the Second Brigade,
First Division, Cavalry Corps, and served under the suc
cessive commands of Generals Pleasonton, Buford, Mer-
ritt and Devin, with the greatest efficiency and distinction.
For several months, commencing in May, 1863, Captain
Thompson commanded General George G. Meade's escort —
Companies D and H — and later was with General P. H.
Sheridan in his battles ; his active service, in fact, included
participation in nearly every engagement in which the Union

100

WILLIAM THOMPSON

cavalry took part in the operations of the Army of the Poto
mac during the last two years of the war. He was severely
wounded in the right shoulder at Kearneystown, W. Va. For
his distinguished and meritorious conduct in the field he
was promoted to the rank of major in February, 1865, and
brevetted lieutenant-colonel on the I3th of the following
month. It was only when incapacitated by .his wounds that
he was ever absent from the front; and, with these excep
tions, he never lost a day's duty while he was in the service.

His army career involved the numberless hardships in
camp and field to which an impetuous and truly patriotic
soldier is subject, but from the hour in which he secured his
first recruit under Governor Curtin's commission to the
prouder one when he was first in command of his regiment in
a reconnoissance toward Appomattox Court House at mid
night, April 8, 1865, which demonstrated the presence of the
Army of Northern Virginia in force, every responsibility
was promptly taken, every duty cheerfully performed, every
discomfort uncomplainingly endured. His record as a sol
dier, from first to last, was a brilliant one and brought with
it its own immediate reward. He was loved by his com
mand, respected by his superior officers, and honored by all.

Colonel Thompson's interest in his companions in the army
did not end with the war. His regiment claimed the honor
of firing the first gun in the great conflict at Gettysburg, and
to him to a great extent is due the erection, on that historic
field, of a grand monument to the memory of those who gave
up their lives in the struggle. In private life, the old sol
dier of whatever rank was a comrade ; the widows and or
phans of the war the object of his tender and generous
solicitude.

Upon the close of his service in the field, Colonel Thomp
son again turned his attention to the calling for which his
early education and experience had so thoroughly fitted him.
Possessed of a fair competence by inheritance from his
father, he became a large stockholder and president of the
Miners' National Bank of Pottsville, one of the oldest and
most substantial' houses in the State ; and, in the course of
his long and honorable connection with that institution, he

101

WILLIAM THOMPSON

very largely increased his fortune. His dealings in real es
tate were judicious and profitable, and his holdings in valu
able property included many of the finest business blocks in
Pottsville. An attendant at the Presbyterian Church, Colo
nel Thompson was one of its most open-handed supporters,
his contributions toward the successful efforts to secure the
splendid pipe organ of that church being an example of his
never failing generosity.

In a word, as a soldier the sterling and impregnable char
acteristics of the early Covenanters coming to him as an in
heritance, he remained steadfast to his patriotic principles
throughout a long and eventful life ; as a citizen, his deal
ings were fair and equitable ; his business transactions open
and honorable; his word, to use a trite phrase, as good as
his bond.

Although Colonel Thompson never married, he was most
genial and companionable, pleasant in all social relations,
and peculiarly fatherly and tender toward those endeared to
him by ties of consanguinity.

He was elected captain of Company H of the Seventeenth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, November I,
1862; elected major, February 13, 1865; brevetted lieuten
ant-colonel U. S. volunteers, March 13, 1865, "for meritori
ous and distinguished services," and mustered out June 20,
1865.

He died July 9, 1903, at Pottsville, Pa. His remains were
deposited in the Charles Barber Cemetery at Pottsville, Pa.,
with military honors.

102

GORDONSVILLE EXPEDITION.

General A. T. A. Torbert's Expedition from Win
chester, W. Va., to Near Gordonsville, W.
Va., December 19-28, 1864.

BY MAJOR W. H. SPERA, SEVENTEENTH PENNSYLVANIA
CAVALRY.

On Wednesday, the I4th of December, 1864, regimental
headquarters received orders from brigade headquarters
to have all horses rough shod, each trooper to carry two
spare shoes and sufficient nails in the saddle pouch for an
emergency.

This had the appearance of a raid in the near future, un
pleasant at this season of the year, but a trooper is ever
ready for a raid no matter what the weather.

1 6th. Friday, A salute in honor of General Thomas'
victory gained over the Confederates under General Hood,
was fired by the artillery at Kernstown.

Blacksmiths busy shoeing horses.

1 7th. Saturday. Cleaning arms and equipments.

i8th. The usual Sunday morning inspection of com
panies by company commanders, — arms, quarters and equip
ments.

The following orders were received from division head
quarters :

MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION.
FIELD ORDERS.

HEADQUARTERS, FIRST CAVALRY Divv DECEMBER 18, 1864.

No.

The command will' be prepared to march early tomorrow morn
ing. Four (4) days' rations will be issued and carried on the
horses. Each man will be supplied with eighty (80) rounds of
carbine ammunition and the usual amount of pistol ammunition.

The second brigade will take along (rifled) one section of its
battery, the best horses being selected for the march. These prepar
ations must all be made at once.
By command of Brevet Major-general Merritt.

M. E. DANA, Ass't Adj't General

103

GORDONSVILLE EXPEDITION

Subsequently that part of the order relating to artillery
was withdrawn.

iQth. Monday. The First and Second Divisions of Cav
alry, without artillery or wagons, consisting of about 5,000
men, commanded by Brevet Major-general Alfred T. A.
Torbert, First Division commanded by Brigadier General
Thomas Devin, Second Brigade commanded by Colonel J.
H. Kellogg (Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry), Second
Division commanded by Brigadier General Powell, left
camp near Winchester at 7 a. m., marching by way
of Cedarville and Front Royal, crossing both branches
of the Shenandoah, and after marching about twenty-two
miles encamped in Chester Gap. It rained and sleeted all
day, making roads very icy and rendering marching diffi
cult.

2oth. Tuesday. Cold and blustery during the night,
ground frozen solid ; roads almost impassable on account of
ice. A surgeon of the command known among the men as
"Big Pills," had purchased a pair of Sutler cavalry boots,
wearing them for the first time yesterday. They were manu
factured out of leather not impervious to water ; yesterday's
rain took all the starch out of them so that they were limp
as the proverbial dish rag. The doctor tried to dry them
by the fire, and the shrinking process commenced. This
morning they had shrunk out of all semblance to a cavalry
boot. He looked with utter disgust upon his purchase. To
put a foot into them was out of the question. When the
command "Mount" was given it was executed in socks by
"Big Pills."

We crossed the Blue Ridge through Chester Gap, passing
through Flint Hill, Games' Cross Roads, Little Washington
and Sperryville, in the direction of Criglersville, encamping
near the Hazel River, five miles south of Sperryville, on the
road leading to Culpepper. We marched twenty-nine miles
today. The Second Division encamped on the Hughes
"River.

The enemy frequently made his appearance in front dur
ing the day, attacking our advance, but was easily repulsed,
making no determined resistance.

104

GORDONSVILLE EXPEDITION

Sleeting during the greater part of the day, with weather
growing freezing cold during the evening ; very disagreeable
marching, the country through which we passed being very
hilly. The roads being covered with ice, the roughness on
the horses' shoes was worn off.

2 1 st. Wednesday. At daylight this morning the com
mand was in the saddle resuming the march in a hail and
snow storm which continued unabated throughout the day.
Marching by way of Criglersville, and crossing Robertson
River near Madison Court House, we met Jackson's Brigade
of Rebel cavalry. After a brisk engagement we drove him
through the town. We stopped near the town, encamping
for the night.

Roads are muddy and rough. Luckily we have no artillery
or wagons with us. The Second Division encamped on the
Robertson River, near Criglersville.

This seemingly is a great country for applejack. A ser
geant of my company found a jug rilled with some kind of
a fluid at a house. What it contained he did not know, but
said it smelled as though it might be excellent stuff. An un
bleached American standing nearby, we asked him to take
a smell. He pronounced it "Peach brandy, shoo !" We were
in a generous mood and asked him to take a drink, that in
case it did not kill him we would sample it. He smacked
his lips, saying. "Golly, that's good, likes to drink the whole
of that." After a short time we gave him another drink
to make assurance doubly sure. He lived through it, though
it was the last drink he got out of that jug.

22d. Thursday March resumed at daylight, the Second
Division in advance, marching on the pike and passing Jack's
Shop in the direction of Liberty Mills and Gordonsville.
General Lomax's force, consisting of Imboden's, McClell-
and's and Jackson's Brigades of Rebel cavalry, were met.
After a charge by a brigade of the Second Division, they
retreated across the Rapidan at Liberty Mills. Our advance
reached the bridge under a severe fire from the enemy post
ed behind breastworks on the opposite bank. It was dis
covered that some of the flooring of the bridge had been re
moved. Immediately after our troops had reached the river

105

GORDONSVILLE EXPEDITION

the bridge was fired and destroyed, so that we were unable
to cross. There was a ford near the bridge. This was
heavily barricaded, a strong force defending it from
rifle pits with artillery in position, protected by earthworks.
To cross at this place was impossible. Scouts were sent out
for the purpose of finding persons who were acquainted
with the fords above and below Liberty Mills. Two columns
were sent out, one to the right up the river and the other
to the left down the river. The First and Second Brigades,
First Division, were sent to the right, the Second Brigade
leading, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry having the
advance. They were to cross at Willis Ford, two miles
above Liberty Mills, and come down the Stanardsville and
Orange Court House Pike. The brigade of the Second
Division was to cross at Cave's Ford, three miles below
Liberty Mills, and come up the Stanardsville Pike. We
were informed that both of these fords were good, passable
fording places, and the distance we would have to march
about four miles. The column that went to Willis Ford
could cross by twos only, the ford being four miles up the
river instead of two miles, so that we were compelled to
march eight miles before getting to Liberty Mills. The
column that went to Cave's Ford was worse oft than we
were. They could cross by file only and had to march
seven miles. It was nearly dark when our column came in
sight of the enemy at the Mills. The Seventeenth and
Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry immediately charged, sup
ported by the brigade, driving the enemy in the direction of
Orange Court House, where they met the column from the
left. The enemy withdrew by a country road in the direc
tion of Gordonsville. After dark, the firing was then order
ed to cease, as it was impossible to distinguish friend from
foe. The Second Brigade, First Division, picketed the
heights on the south side of the river, the Seventeenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry in support of the pickets, without
unsaddling.

December 23, 1864. Friday. Very cold night, high winds,
ground frozen solid. Our position during the night was on
a bleak hill. The wind having a full sweep, the command
suffered greatly from the cold. We could not build fires on

106

GORDONSVILLE EXPEDITION

account of the close proximity of the enemy. With the first
appearance of dawn the enemy was again engaged; we
took two pieces of artillery and drove them to within two
and one-half miles of Gordonsville, where the road runs
through a gap in Bell's Mountain.

I was ordered to take a battalion of the Seventeenth
Pennsylvania and picket our right flank, as an attack from
that direction was anticipated.

The gap through the mountain was very narrow, the
enemy holding a strong and advantageous position, posted
behind rails and earth breastworks, where a small force
could hold a large number in check. The enemy was attack
ed by the First New York Dragoons and Ninth New York,
dismounted, charging the enemy's flank. The Seventeenth
Pennsylvania charged mounted on the enemy's centre, los
ing two men killed, seventeen wounded and four prisoners
(Company C lost Jacob Coldren killed, buried in the Nat
ional cemetery, Culpepper Court Hourse, Va., block I, sec
tion A, row n, grave 379; and Henry Irwin, wounded).

The regiment fell back to its former position, holding it
for several hours. A force was sent to the left to cross
the mountain to flank the enemy out of his position. About
10 o'clock a. m. cars were heard arriving at Gordonsville and
infantry could be seen filing into the enemy's breastworks,
relieving cavalry.

Shortly after the Seventeenth Pennsylvania had charged
Lieutenant E. E. Wood, of Company C, Seventeenth Penn
sylvania, now serving on the brigade staff, (at present,
April, 1898, Professor of Literature at the United States
Military Academy, West Point, N. Y.,) was sent to the
front with an order to Lieutenant-colonel of the Seven
teenth, to withdraw his regiment. After delivering the order,
and within a short distance of the enemy's line, the lieu
tenant's bridle rein was shot off. He dismounted as if
on parade and, knotting the rein to the curb ring, mounted
and rode away unhurt amid a shower of bullets.

Some of the men whose horses had been shot in the
charge took refuge in an excavation near the enemy's line ;
several escaped by making a run for our lines, amid a rain

107

GORDONSVILLE EXPEDITION

of bullets. I am sorry I do not now remember the names
of those brave boys. Four were captured by the enemy.

General Torbert, after becoming satisfied that the enemy
had been re-enforced by Pelgram's division of infantry, and
Hunton's and Bratton's Brigades, and that Longstreet had
sent 3,300 men to Gordonsville, and realizing that it would
be useless to further attempt to break the Virginia Central
Railroad, decided to withdraw to the north bank of the
Rapidan, marching to Madison Court House and Robertson
River.

After the command fell back from its position, I was or
dered to deploy a battalion as skirmishers and watch the
movements of the enemy. They came out of their rifle
pits, advancing a short distance as skirmishers, wounding
B. F. Busser and Albert Breitigam, of Company C, Seven
teenth Pennsylvania. After our column had passed a
narrow defile in the road I was ordered to march in re
treat. At the defile we formed column, marching as rear
guard. Noticing several stragglers at a house a short dis
tance from the road I ordered Lieutenant Alfred Lee, of
Company F, Seventeenth Pennsylvania, to ride over and
take with him two men. When near the house several men
in our uniform rode out, ordering the lieutenant and his
men to surrender. Hearing the firing I sent a squad in
pursuit. The enemy, seeing they could not get away with
their prisoners, shot Lieutenant Lee, mortally wounding
him.

My command rejoined the regiment at Liberty Mills. The
brigade marched to Russell's Ford, on the Robertson River,
going into camp at midnight. The roads were a sheet of
ice. In descending the hill leading to the ford it was al
most impossible for horse or man to keep on his feet. A
horse's feet would slip from under him, sliding down the
hill, carrying with him the horse and rider next in front of
him, until there was a jumpled up mass of horses and troop
ers endeavoring to extricate themselves and their mounts,
and in the endeavor generally making matters worse by
carrying more horse flesh and swearing humanity with
them. We were forced to halt on the hillside as the cap-

108

GORDONSVILLE EXPEDITION

tured artillery was in advance of us, stuck in the ford. The
pieces were drawn by mules. When midway in the stream
the mules became balky, positively refusing to stretch a
trace. It was near midnight. We could .hear the troops
that had crossed in advance of the artillery going into
camp, and we were delayed by those pesky, balky mules.
Language prepared expressly for the occasion was used, but
had no more effect than if just everyday ordinary language
would have been used. About half of the First New York
Dragoons were in the river abusing the mules. Meanwhile
the troops were sliding around on the icy hillside, using
language far more forcible than elegant. I do really be
lieve that it was the united wish of all those sliding troopers
that the Rebs would have kept their guns so that we would
not have bothered with them. After crossing the river, we
went into camp in a dense growth of lovely pine, spreading
our blankets in the snow and ice, and slept the sleep of
tired soldiers. Everything burnable was covered with sev
eral inches of ice, consequently no coffee.

24th. Saturday. Left camp at daylight and marched by
way of James City, Grifnnsburg and Stone House Moun
tain, encamping about four miles from Culpepper. The
regiment, (Seventeenth Pennsylvania,) foraged by squads
today for horse feed. It is a case of "live off the country
with headquarters in the saddle," but this country has been
so devastated that there is but little left to live off of. We
have been about four days without rations or horse feed,
and the citizens do not seem to have much more than we
have, excepting applejack, and it is not very nourishing. It
will take at least four days before we reach camp. How
we will enjoy hard tack and pork by that time ! Weather
has been unpleasant today.

25th. Sunday. Christmas ! Left camp at daylight
marching to Fauquier and White Sulphur Springs, crossing
the Hazel and Rappahannock. The Hazel was running
very high. We had considerable difficulty in crossing as the
horses are weak from lack of forage. We went into camp
for the night near Warrenton. Cold. The command has
a large number of dismounted men whose horses became

109

8— 17th R.

GORDONSVILLE EXPEDITION

unserviceable, and had to be abandoned. It was hard work
for the poor fellows to keep up with the mounted column,
quite a few, whose shoes were worn out, going in stocking
feet over the icy frozen ground, wading rivers and often
wet to the skin, some whose feet were bloody, being cut by
the frozen ground, having thus followed the command for
several days. Today we passed through Jefferson, Fau-
quier and Sulphur Springs. Foraging parties were sent
from the division, one of which captured 150,000 Sharp's
carbine cartridges, 1,000,000 carbine caps, 200 muskets,
ninety blankets and four prisoners.

26th. Monday. As we were about leaving camp this morn
ing several guerrillas were found lurking near, endeavoring
to capture some of our men, or hoping to pick up dismount
ed men. A mounted force was sent after them, driving them
away, although they harassed the rear of the column. Pre
sumably they are some of Mosby's men, a partisan ranger,
operating in this section, stealing, plundering and murder
ing.

On passing through Warrenton the Regimental band of
the Seventeenth Pennsylvania began to play. Shutters and
blinds were opened, women appearing at the windows. Sud
denly the band changed to "Yankee Doodle." Down came
the windows and shutters closed with a slam. A boy of
about six years of age stood on a porch, with his hands rest
ing on his hip, looking in a saucy "I don't give a darn for you
fellows, knock the chip off my shoulder, if you dare" sort of
way, whistling the "Bonnie Blue Flag with but a Single
Star."

Marching through New Baltimore, Georgetown, White
Plains and Middleburg, we encamped near the latter place.
The Second Division encamped near Paris, passing through
Edom and Piedmont.

27th. Tuesday. Marched by way of Rector Cross Roads,
Carrville, Upperville, Paris and Ashby's Gap. In the Gap
the sergeant-major of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania found
a torpedo planted in the road. We forded the Shenandoah
River, crossing the dismounted men, stock, etc., and going

GORDONSVILLE EXPEDITION

into camp at Millwood. In Ashby's Gap the rearguard
was attacked by guerrillas. No damage was done.

28th. Wednesday. Marched to camp near Winchester,
crossing the Opequan River, which was running very high.
We had great difficulty in crossing the stock and dismounted
men. Received mail, letters from home, and the ever gen
tle reminder from the Ordnance office for the quarterly re
port of ordnance and ordnance stores.

The country through which we passed is as poor as the
proverbial turkey of Job, in the matter of food and forage.
The command was obliged to live off the country for six
days, and mighty scant living it was. Taking the raid, all
in all, it was an extremely hard trip on man and beast. The
intense cold, bad weather and equally bad roads, six days
out of ten it either rained, hailed or snowed and quite often
?A\ three at the same time, as though vying which could
make it the most disagreeable ; either one was a perfect suc
cess.

Our losses aggregated one hundred and two men and two
hundred and fifty-eight horses.

The command captured thirty prisoners, two pieces of
artillery, one thousand head of stock, also a herd of two
hundred head of cattle going South, 150,000 Sharp's car
bine cartridges, 1,000,000 caps, 200 muskets and ninety
blankets.

THEODORE W. BEAN.

BREVET LIEUTENANT-COLONEL.

Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore W. Bean was born in
Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, May 14, 1833. At the
early age of sixteen years he was apprenticed to a black
smith, and for years followed that honorable occupation.
But his desire to advance himself in life led him to adopt
the law as his profession. He was admitted to the bar of
Montgomery county, February 24, 1869, an<^ continued in
active practice until the close of his life. He was mustered
into the United States service as a private of Company L of
the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cav
alry, September 17, 1862, to serve for three years or during
the war.

, He was appointed first sergeant on the organization of
the company, and promoted to second lieutenant, and later to
first lieutenant, before the regiment left the state. On May
30, 1863, he was elected captain of his company. The regi
ment entered the Army of the Potomac in the early winter
of 1862, and participated in all its subsequent campaigns,
including Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Aldie, Gettysburg,
Winchester, Five Forks, Sailor's Creek and Appomattox.
During the first day's battle at Gettysburg the services of
Captain Bean attracted the attention of his division com
mander, General John Buford, and, after the battle, he was
called to division headquarters and placed on staff duty as
provost marshal. He continued to serve as a member of
General Buford's staff until the death of that officer, and
subsequently on those of Generals Merritt and Torbert, re
maining with the latter until the surrender of the Army of
Northern Virginia at Appomattox, April 9, 1865.

During his whole period of service Colonel Bean dis
played that same indomitable energy, courage and devotion
to duty so characteristic of his whole life, whether as sol
dier or civilian. Gifted with intelligence and foresight,
never hesitating when he saw his duty clearly defined, ever

112

Brevet Lieutenant-colonel. Xorristown,

THEODORE W. BEAN

obedient and ready to obey orders, he at all times attracted
the attention of his superiors as an invaluable assistant when
nerve, energy, promptness and courage were required.
Amongst his fellow officers he was always a favorite because
of his suavity and kindness of manner. Without one par
ticle of envy or jealousy in his nature, he was ever willing
to add to the happiness of others regardless of self.

He was brevetted major of U. S. volunteers, March 13,
1865, for distinguished service, and again brevetted lieuten
ant-colonel of U. S. volunteers, March 13, 1865, for merit
orious services in the late campaign. He was honorably
discharged from the United States service by General Order,
June 20, 1865.

After the close of the war he resumed business and study,
and four years later entered upon his chosen profession of
law. Colonel Bean was able in his profession. He was a
public-spirited citizen and stood for progress in the civic and
political life of his community. In 1887 he was appointed
by Governor Beaver a member of the State Commission on
Industrial Education. In 1889 he was elected to the State
Legislature, and made chairman of the Committee on Edu
cation. He took an active part in the debates and was a
leading member of that body. He was the author of "Roll of
Honor of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry," "Foot
prints of the Revolution, or Washington at Valley Forge";
"Annals of the War," "Buford at Gettysburg," "Ouster's
Charge at Yellow Tavern," "The Fall of General Zook,"
"General Pleasonton at Chancellorsville," " Sheridan in the
Shenandoah."

Colonel Bean was deeply interested in the study of history
and published, in 1884, a comprehensive history of Mont
gomery county, Pa. It was mainly through Colonel Bean's
efforts that Valley Forge was preserved to the nation as
sacred ground. He delivered the historical address at Val
ley Forge, June 19, 1878, upon the centennial anniversary
of the departure of Washington's army from Valley Forge.
He was instrumental in organizing the Historical Society of
Montgomery county, Pa., in 1881. He was its first president
and held the office until 1889, when he declined re-election.

THEODORE W. BEAN

He delivered orations at Gettysburg upon the dedication
of the monument to General Zook, and the memorial of the
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry ; also Memorial Day ora
tions at Lancaster, Pa., Seven Pines, Va., and Bryn Mawr,
Pa. His services as orator were repeatedly sought by his
comrades in arms. He died at Norristown, Pa., January 20,
1891. His remains were deposited in the family plot in
Montgomery cemetery, Norristown, Pa.

114

GENERAL P. H. SHERIDAN'S FAMOUS RIDE.

General Sheridan had been called to Washington, and
was expected to arrive at Martinsburg, W. Va., on his re
turn trip, some time during the day of October 17, 1864.
Major W. H. Spera, of the Seventeenth Regiment, Penn
sylvania Cavalry, with 200 men, was detailed to proceed to
Martinsburg and escort General Sheridan from Martins-
burg to the front. Major Spera gives the following ac
count of what occurred on that occasion :

"I arrived at Martinsburg after midnight, reporting to
General Seward and went into camp near the town. Early
in the morning of the i8th, I reported to General Sheridan
for escort duty. The party consisted of General Sheridan,
Colonels Thorn and Alexander, of the Engineer Corps;
Lieutenant-colonel James W. Forsythe, chief of staff;
Major George A. Forsythe and Captain Jos. O. Keefe, aids.
The general was riding his black horse "Rienzi." My com
mand was reinforced by 500 men from various commands
commanded by a lieutenant. The column left Martinsburg
about 9 a. m. Strong advance and rear guards and flankers
were thrown out at Bunker Hill, about 1 1 miles from Mar
tinsburg. A sharp lookout was kept for roving bands of
Mosby's guerrillas, who claimed this section of the country
as their field of operations. We arrived at Winchester about
3 o'clock p. m. The general and his staff remained for the
night at Colonel E. O. Edwards' headquarters. The escort
was ordered into bivouac at Mill Creek or Milltown, about
a mile south of Winchester, with orders to be in readiness
to march at 5 a. m. the next morning. At 4:30 o'clock on
the morning of the I9th, "Boots and Saddles" was sounded
for the escort. Shortly afterward firing was heard in the
direction of the front, which was attributed to a reconnois-
sance that had been ordered for that morning. About 9
a. m. General Sheridan came riding leisurely along. He
inquired about the firing. He was told that the firing was
heard as early as 4 o'clock.

GENERAL SHERIDAN'S FAMOUS RIDE

"The escort moved out with a strong advance and rear
guard and flankers. Some distance south of Milltown the
head of a train was encountered whipping to the rear ; also
a number of men from the front, giving a different interpre
tation to the firing of the morning. All trains coming from
and going to the front were ordered into park at Mill-
town. My command was ordered to form to the right of
the road. Here Colonel Wood, General Sheridan's chief
commissary, met Sheridan, giving the startling intelligence
that the enemy had attacked early in the morning, driving
cur troops at every point, our left being first attacked and
driven in confusion, everything captured, the general's head
quarters gone, and troops dispersing in all directions. It
was plainly to be seen that the lion in the general was fully
aroused. His every action gave evidence of a quick deter
mination. I was ordered to take 20 of my best men and
horses and follow the general, as he intended to move to
the front lively. I ordered out three sets of fours from
the right.

"Major Geo. A. Forsythe and Captain Jos. O. Keefe ac
companied the general. The remainder of the escort was
ordered to Colonel James W. Forsythe, who, with Colonels
Thorn and Alexander, were left behind to form a cordon
across the country to stop the fugitives. The general struck
out at a brisk pace towards the scene of action. At times
the pike was so much crowded with troops and wagons that
the general and escort were obliged to take to the fields over
stone walls and ditches. After the greater part of the wa
gons had been passed, he again took the road along which
crowds of men were moving. They did not appear panic-
stricken, seeming scarcely to know why they were going to
the rear. Groups were halted preparing rations or getting
coffee. The general occasionally stopped, telling them, 'Face
the other way, boys. If I had been there this morning, this
would not have happened, but you shall all be in your old
camps before night.'

"Men in groups halted and cheered the general as he pass
ed, and, seeing the great haste with which he was going,
immediately retraced their steps. We passed a group who

116

GENERAL SHERIDAN'S FAMOUS RIDE

were busy getting coffee. When they saw the general, they
gave 'three cheers for Sheridan/ applied a vigorous kick to
their coffee cups, shouldered their guns and faced the other
way. The first halt was made near Newtown, where a chap-
Iain mounted on a mule was met. The general hailed him,
asking how things looked at the front. The chaplain ex
pressed himself that, — 'Oh ! everything is lost and gone, but
it will be all right when you get there.' At the same time
he pressed the rowels of his spurs into the flanks of his mule,
endeavoring to get to the rear as rapidly as possible, not
withstanding his confidence in Sheridan. Newtown was so
crowded with fugitives that the general was unable to keep
the road, but passed to the left of the village. As the gen
eral passed, officers who were near the road waved their hats,
informing their men that Sheridan was going to the front.
A short distance beyond Newtown, Major McKinley (after
wards President of the United States) carried the news of
Sheridan's arrival. The race was headlong, the horses be
ing put to their full speed, and never did general and escort
go over 18 miles in less time."

"Skirmishing was going on with the enemy^s pickets. The
general jumped his horse over the barricade, taking off his
cap and waving it. Cheer after cheer went up from the men
who exclaimed 'Sheridan has come. Sheridan has come!'
Sheridan replied, 'Boys, we'll get the tightest twist on them
they ever saw. We'll get all those camps back.' The men
were wild with enthusiasm as he rode along the lines. Never
before did so much seemingly depend on one man.

"All were confident of success as soon as they heard of
Sheridan's arrival, and indeed with him alone rested the safe
ty of thousands of lives and the preservation of his army."

"Sheridan established his headquarters on a rise of ground
a short distance north of General Getty's line. Here sev
eral of his staff joined him. One of them remarked to the
general : T fear the battle is going against us. I suppose

117

GENERAL SHERIDAN'S FAMOUS RIDE

Jubal Early intends driving you out of the valley.' 'What?'
Sheridan exclaimed, 'three corps of infantry and all of my
cavalry; Jubal Early drive me out of the valley? I'll lick
him like blazes before night; I'll give him the worst licking
he ever had.' "

"About 4 p. m., the order went out, 'The whole line will
advance.' The attack was gallantly made. The enemy
sought protection behind the stone fences and rail breast
works, making a very determined resistance, but General
Sheridan had formed a compact mass of men across the
pike. Custer was on the extreme right to harass and worry
the enemy until Sheridan should create a panic with the re
mainder of the line. This plan, so simple in its conception,
worked like a charm, and was successful beyond all expecta
tion."

************

"A hearty cheer from the line and the Johnnies were on
the run, though not all of them — the ground was covered
with dead and dying. The enemy now became a miserable
rabble, throwing away their arms and everything to get away
from their pursuers. Daylight showed that the enemy's
transportation and artillery was in our hands. They left
everything behind in their flight, their dead unburied and
their wounded uncared for. This battle ended campaigning
in the Shenandoah Valley."

************

From May 5, 1864, to April 9, 1865, the day on which
the army of Northern Virginia surrendered, Sheridan's com
mand captured two hundred and five battle-flags, all in open
field fighting, nearly as many as all of the armies of the
United States combined sent to the War Department during
the Rebellion. The number of field pieces captured in the
same period was one hundred and seventy, all in open field
fighting. In the Valley 13,000 prisoners were captured.

When the good news of Sheridan's victory was received
at Washington, the President at once sent him the following
message :

118

GENERAL SHERIDAN'S FAMOUS RIDE

"EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D. C, OCTOBER 22, 1864.
"Major-general Sheridan :

"With pleasure I tender you and your brave army the thanks of
the nation and my own personal admiration and gratitude for the
month's operations in the Shenandoah Valley, and especially for
the splendid work of October 19, 1864.

"Your obedient servant,

"ABRAHAM LINCOLN."

As a result of this wonderful ride and the turning of the
tide of battle, Sheridan was at once made a major-general
in the regular army. Accompanying the communication was
the following letter from President Lincoln : "For the per
sonal gallantry, military skill and just confidence in the cour
age and gallantry of your troops, displayed by you, on Octo
ber I9th, at Cedar Creek Run, whereby, under the blessing
of Providence, your routed army was reorganized, a great
national disaster averted, and a brilliant victory achieved."

BRIGADIER-GENERAL EDWARD E. WOOD.

PROFESSOR U. S. MILITARY ACADEMY, WEST POINT^ N. Y.,
FORMERLY FIRST LIEUTENANT COMPANY C.

Colonel Wood was born in the southern part of Lan
caster county, Pennsylvania, in 1846. He was educated at
the Pennsylvania State Normal School at Millersville,
Pennsylvania. Before completing the course at this school,
he enlisted September 8, 1862, as a private in the company
of cavalry raised by Captain W. H. Spera in the north
eastern part of Lancaster county. This company subse
quently became Company C, of the Seventeenth Pennsyl
vania Cavalry. Colonel Wood was but fifteen years of age
at his enlistment, and was, therefore, among the youngest
men in the Union Army who, from a private soldier, be
came a commissioned officer.

Shortly after the organization of the regiment at Harris-
burg, Private Wood was appointed company commissary
sergeant. In December, 1862, the regiment left its camp
near Alexandria, Va., and started to join the Army of the
Potomac. On arriving at Occoquan, Va., three companies
of the regiment, of which Company C, was one, were left
at that place for the purpose of picketing along Occoquan
River or creek and the vicinity, while the remainder of the
regiment proceeded on its way to the army. The three com
panies were under the command of Major R. R. Reinhold.
On December 27th, orders were received for the three com
panies to join the regiment. Sergeant Wood was detailed
with one or two other non-commissioned officers and a cer
tain number of other enlisted men to accompany the wagon
train, which train was under charge of the regimental
wagon master.

After the command had gone some distance it was dis
covered that a large force of Confederate cavalry was ap
proaching. Major R. R. Reinhold decided to bring back
the command to Occoquan, cross the river there, and have

1 20

EDWARD E. WOOD.

Lieutenant, Company C, West Point, X. V.
Now Brigadier General, U. S. A.

EDWARD E. WOOD

his force on the northern side of the stream where the
Second Pennsylvania Cavalry was then encamped. At Oc-
coquan it was possible for the main body of the command
tc cross the river at a ford about a mile to the west of the
town; the wagons could cross only by the rope ferry at the
town itself. The command accordingly crossed at the ford.
The wagon train had just succeeded in crossing one wagon
to the north side, when a squadron of the First Maryland
Cavalry dashed past on its way to the ford, with the infor
mation that the Confederate cavalry was but a short dis
tance behind them.

At this time it was dark. The wagon master, who was
on the north side, on hearing this, shouted across the stream
to drop everything and get away. Sergeant Wood and a
sergeant of Company I, however, ordered the teamsters
and men to remain and continue getting the wagons ferried
over. This was done and it was not until about seven
wagons had crossed that the advance guard of the Con
federate cavalry, Second South Carolina Regiment under
Colonel Butler, afterwards Senator Butler, dashed down to
the ferry and captured those that were on the south side
of the river. By this action on the part of these two non
commissioned officers, seven wagons which would otherwise
have been captured, were saved. Only a few men, includ
ing Sergeant Wood and the sergeant of Company I, were
captured, as the majority of the men with the wagons had
to accompany each wagon as it was ferried over, and the
Confederates made their capture when the last wagon fer
ried over had just reached the north side.

The men captured at Occoquan together with those that
had been captured during the day by the Confederates were
sent back that night under guard to the Confederate cavalry
winter camp near Cedar Mountain, and from there, after a
few days were sent by rail to Richmond. At Richmond
the prisoners were confined in Castle Thunder as Libby
Prison was overcrowded. It was somewhat crowded also
in Castle Thunder as the one room of moderate dimensions
in which the prisoners were placed was made to contain
some three hundred and twenty odd men. While in prison

121

EDWARD E. WOOD

the prisoners were allowed to keep their overcoats and
blankets.

In the latter part of January the prisoners were sent from
Richmond to City Point, Va., to be sent back to the Union
lines to be kept at Camp Parole, Annapolis, until exchanged.
On leaving Richmond the overcoats and blankets were taken
from the prisoners. The trip from City Point to Fortress
Monroe, though made in mid-winter and without overcoats
or blankets, was not productive of much suffering as the
boat was not uncomfortable. From Fortress Monroe to
Annapolis, however, the trip was made after night and in
a severe winter storm, in an open freight boat, and much
suffering was endured. On arrival at Parole Camp, Anna
polis, it was two or three weeks before the prisoners
received an issue of overcoats or blankets, and great suf
fering, much sickness, and many deaths were the result.
These things are now in the dim past, but it is well to recall
them ; it was a part of the price paid for the prosperity and
comfort of today. May, 1863, a general exchange of
prisoners was declared, of all those captured before the
date of exchange.

In November, 1863, Sergeant Wood was made acting
first sergeant of his company and filled that position until
April, 1864, when he was appointed first sergeant.

Sergeant Wood took part in the celebrated Kilpatrick
Raid to Richmond in February, 1864, in which Colonel
Dahlgren met his death. General Kilpatrick's force in this
raid, about 4,000, was formed by selections from all the
regiments of the Cavalry Corps in the Army of the Po
tomac, the detail from the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cav
alry being under the command of Major W. H. Spera.
May 12, 1864, Sergeant Wood was promoted from first
sergeant to first lieutenant to fill the vacancy occasioned
by the death of Lieutenant Schultz who was killed at the
battle of Meadow Bridge, near Richmond, during the cele
brated Sheridan's Raid.

Lieutenant Wood was mustered into the U. S. service as
first lieutenant July 22, 1864.

122

EDWARD E. WOOD

In August, on the promotion of Captain Spera to major,
Lieutenant Wood took command of Company C, and com
manded it until he was appointed acting adjutant of the
regiment, after the battle of Winchester, W. Va., in which
battle the adjutant of the regiment, Lieutenant James A.
Clark, was taken prisoner.

At the battle of Dinwiddie Court House, Va., February
28, 1865, it was discovered that the left of the regiment
which was on the left of the brigade had no con
nection with any organization in that direction. Lieu
tenant Wood was ordered to go and find out whether there
was any Union force in that direction and where it was.
His course took him directly in front of the Confederate
line, in full view and under a heavy fire, as it was found
that not only was there a long interval or gap between the
regiment's left and the other brigade, but that the latter's
position was much in advance of that of the regiment. Here
his horse's bridle reins gave way, either broken or shot, and
the horse becoming unmanageable bolted towards the Con
federate line. Lieutenant Wood dismounted, reached the
position of the other brigade, and returned, having success
fully fulfilled his orders.

Lieutenant Wood performed the duties of regimental ad
jutant from the time of his appointment as acting adjutant,
in September, 1864, until the muster out of the regiment
June 16, 1865, at Cloud's Mills, Va., near Alexandria. The
final closing up, packing, and shipment of the regimental
records were accomplished by him, by the direction of the
regimental commander, Colonel Coe Durland.

On the muster out of the regiment, in June, 1865, pro
visional regiments were formed, made up of men from the
old organizations whose term of service did not expire un
til October i, 1865. The Second Provisional Pennsylvania
Cavalry, was made up from the former First, Sixth, and
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with enough officers
taken from the old organizations to officer the new one.
Lieutenant Wood was assigned to the Second Provisional
Pennsylvania Cavalry as First Lieutenant of Company G,

123

EDWARD E. WOOD

the captain of which was Captain English, of the Seven
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. As Lieutenant Wood's per
formance of his duties as acting adjutant of the Seven
teenth Pennsylvania had attracted the favorable notice and
commendation of brigade and division headquarters, he was,
immediately upon his assignment to the Second Provisional
Pennsylvania, detailed for duty upon the staff of the First
Cavalry Division as assistant mustering officer. He remain
ed on duty on the division staff until his regiment was order
ed from Washington to Louisville, Kentucky. He there
upon rejoined his regiment and proceeded with it to Louis
ville. On the way to Louisville and for some days aftei
arrival, Lieutenant Wood was acting regimental quarter
master during the absence of the quartermaster of the regi
ment. The regiment was mustered out at Louisville, Ken
tucky, August 7, 1865, and with the final parting at Harris-
burg, Pa., Lieutenant Wood's volunteer service in the War
of the Rebellion was ended. He was. the youngest commis
sioned officer in the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry.

In the spring of 1866, Lieutenant Wood had an oppor
tunity of obtaining a commission in the regular army of the
United States, but he desired to go to the military academy
at West Point in which there would be a vacancy from his
congressional district the following June. Instead there
fore of availing himself of this opportunity to obtain a
commission, he took the competitive examination in his
district for appointment to West Point. Although having
been away from school for over three years, he was suc
cessful over sixteen competitors, and, accordingly, received
the appointment from Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, then Con
gressman from his district. Lieutenant Wood was the last
appointment Mr. Stevens made to West Point, as he died
in 1868. Lieutenant Wood entered West Point in June,
1866, and was graduated in June, 1870; his standing in his
class was number 6 in a class of 58. He had filled the posi
tions of cadet sergeant-major, and cadet adjutant, these be
ing the most highly prized military positions in the corps of
cadets.

124

EDWARD E. WOOD

As his graduation standing in his class was sufficiently
high to entitle him to a choice of regiments, Lieutenant
Wood chose the Eighth Regiment of Cavalry and was as
signed thereto, joining his regiment at Fort Union, N. M.,
in September, 1870. The colonel of the Eighth Cavalry was
General J. Irwin Gregg, formerly colonel of the Sixteenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry ; the lieutenant-colonel was General
Thomas C. Devin, formerly commander of the Second Bri
gade and of the First Division Cavalry Corps, in which the
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry served; the adjutant was
Lieutenant Mahnken, formerly captain and assistant adju
tant-general of the Second Brigade.

In November, 1872, Lieutenant Wood was ordered to
West Point as instructor of French, and, in 1876, was ap
pointed assistant professor of that language. In 1879 he
was appointed aide-de-camp on the personal staff of Major
General Schofield. He rejoined his regiment in November,
1882. In 1883 he was ordered to West Point as assistant
professor of French, and, in 1884, he was appointed assis
tant professor of Spanish. In January, 1886, he was pro
moted to captain, and then joined his troop which was en
gaged in the Indian war known as the Geronimo Campaign.
In 1888 he participated with his regiment in the march across
the United States from Texas to Dakota and Montana,
which is one of the longest continuous marches on record.

In 1889 ne was again ordered to West Point as assistant
professor of Spanish, and, in 1892, he was appointed pro
fessor of modern languages at the Military Academy, the
rank being that of lieutenant-colonel, and colonel, after ten
years service as professor. On September 17, 1910, Colonel
Wood was placed upon the retired list by operation of law.
He has a continuous service record of over 47 years in the
army, and one of the last of the veterans of the War of the
Rebellion to leave the active list of the army.

As a matter of interest to the members of the Seven
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, it is thought proper to give the
following extracts from official commendations given to a
former member of their regiment. The first is from General
Schofield, the former distinguished commanding general of

I25

9— 17th R.

EDWARD E. WOOD

the army. The second is from General Merritt well known
to the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, as the distin
guished commander of the First Cavalry Division, and of
the First and Third Cavalry Divisions in the final cam
paign in 1865.

**********

"His career throughout has been marked by ability, in
telligence, industry, and perfect fidelity in the discharge of
every duty. Especially as an officer of the staff, Lieuten
ant Wood has merited the high official esteem and personal
regard of the major-general commanding."

**********

"Your quiet, determined, and active attention to your
duties, your knowledge of your profession, and your
thorough and conscientious discharge of every duty have
won the admiration of your superiors and the respect of all
who know you.

**********

"As head of the academy, I thank you most earnestly for
\our services, and as a colonel of cavalry, I am proud of
you as a cavalry officer."

Brigadier-general E. E. Wood was retired from active
service by operation of law at the age of sixty-four years.

September 17, 1910, by virtue of the act of Congress,
April 23, 1904, he was given by the President the rank of
brigadier-general U. S. army, which was confirmed by the
Senate since his retirement. He now resides at West Ches
ter, Pennsylvania.

126

REMINISCENCES OF URIAH R. REINHOLD,
CAPTAIN COMPANY I.

CANTON, OHIO, December 5, 1910.
H. P. Moyer :

DEAR COMRADE — In reply to your request to send you
some reminiscences of our regiment in the Civil War, I take
great pleasure in submitting the following :

I was born in Jackson Township, Lebanon County, Pa.,
March 26, 1837. My early life was spent assisting my
father, who was a farmer and stock raiser, and who also con
ducted a tannery. I early acquired a fondness for good
horses. From 1857 to 1862, I conducted a general merchan
dise business in Myerstown, Pa. In the fall of 1862, when
Captain William Tice, of Myerstown, received a commission
from Governor Andrew G. Curtin to recruit a cavalry com
pany for three years or during the war, I disposed of my
mercantile business and took an active part in recruiting
what was then called the "Jackson Cavalry." When the com
pany was organized, I was elected second lieutenant and be
fore we left Camp Curtin I was elected first lieutenant of
the company. Later I received a commission as captain and
was placed in command of Company I, of the regiment, and
served in that position until the close of the war.

In the official records very little mention is made of the
regiment while doing provost duty in the Shenandoah Val
ley with headquarters at Winchester, W. Va. This may have
been because its services while thus detached from the bri
gade were performed in small details, from ten to a hundred
men or more, in messenger and escort duties, keeping open
the line of communication between General Sheridan's front
and his base of supply, an average distance of about sixty
miles. The duties were most arduous and extremely hazard
ous. The Shenandoah Valley was the stamping ground of
Mosby's, McNeill's, and Gilmor's guerrillas. It was nothing
unusual for these guerrillas to capture entire details, usually
fighting about three to one. The men were almost constantly
in the saddle.

127

REMINISCENCES OF URIAH R. REINHOLD

I recall an instance when I was in charge of a detail of 30
men to escort an officer from the front to Martinsburg, mid
got through all right. The following morning I was ordered
to report to the chief quartermaster at Martinsburg. I was
informed that some two hundred wagons loaded with sup
plies, a regiment of infantry and a battery of six pieces
would start for the front that morning. The quartermaster-
general ordered me to accompany him as his escort. We
rode at the head of the column. After we had passed Bun
ker Hill, regarded as the most dangerous point on the route,
the quartermaster-general directed me to follow him, as the
infantry column moved too slowly, and he was going to pro
ceed to Winchester as rapidly as possible. When we were
about one mile ahead of the wagon train, we met an ambu
lance coming toward us at full speed, with an escort of about
twenty men, and about 100 guerrillas chasing them. The
approach was so sudden that before we could make any de
fense they were upon us and there was a general mixup.
To add to the confusion the guerrillas were dressed in blue
uniforms. It was difficult to distinguish friend from foe. I
was surrounded and a demand was made for me to surren
der. I had a good horse ; I gave him the spurs ; he made a
leap and I got away. They followed me and shot after me,
but I got back to the wagon train, as also did some of my
men. The ambulance and a number of men were captured.
The guerrillas, in following our men, ran into our infantry,
who, in the meantime, had formed and gave them a good
volley. The artillery also unlimbered and gave them a few
shots. The guerrillas were scattered and, in their haste to
get away, the ambulance was recaptured.

Another skirmish with the guerrillas I recall was some
time later, when Captain Ham, of our regiment, and myself,
with a detail of forty-eight men, were sent out the Berryville
Pike to investigate a skirmish that occurred the day before.
When we arrived at the place, about ten miles from Win
chester, Captain Ham made a halt and formed his line in an
open field.

He then ordered me to take four men and proceed to a
farm house, a short distance away, and ascertain whether

128

REMINISCENCES OF URIAH R. REINHOLD

there were any wounded men in the house. When I came to
the house I stationed three men to keep a lookout and one to
take care of my horse, and entered the house. I found sev
eral wounded men in the house. All of a sudden I heard fir
ing and my sentinels called me. When I came out of the
house three of my sentinels had deserted me. I hurriedly
jumped on my horse, gave him the spurs and he cleared a
stone wall into a field. I followed in the direction of some
other men who were making for the woods at the edge of
the field, where we were joined by Captain Ham and some
eight of his men. Jerre Mumma, one of my men, was killed.
Captain Ham, myself and about fifteen men made our way
to Charlestown. About twenty-five of our men were cap
tured and some five or six killed.

Another experience I recall was this : I was placed in
charge of a detail of fifty men to accompany a staff officer
and a colored man as guide to proceed some thirty miles into
the country to capture some bushwhackers who had made a
certain place their headquarters. We left Winchester about
sundown and made a forced march of about thirty miles
over rough roads. We arrived at our destination about one
o'clock at night. I stationed about one-half of my detail
around the house. About ten men were selected to enter the
house and the balance were stationed as a reserve. Upon
entering the house we found no one on the first floor, but we
heard a noise on the second floor. We called upstairs, but
received no answer. The stairway was so constructed as to
make a sharp turn in the hall. We reached around the cor
ner with our carbines, making a noise as though we were
ascending the stairway. Immediately a volley of revolver
shots was fired from the top of the stairway. No one was
shot. We now rushed upstairs and demanded a surrender.

The men upstairs attempted to jump out the second-story
windows, but were immediately fired upon by m)' men on
the outside. They at once surrendered. We returned to
Winchester with our prisoners the following morning about
eight o'clock, having marched about sixty miles in about
fourteen hours, and all for the capture of four bush
whackers.

129

REMINISCENCES OF URIAH R. REINHOLD

PREMONITION OF AARON WOOMER.

Another incident I recall was the following: Comrade
Aaron Woomer, a member of Company E, approached me
one day and told me that his time with the company was
about up; that he would soon go home to his Father. He
showed me his Bible and said, "This book everybody ought
to read." I asked him whether he was homesick. He said,
"No." I tried to encourage him, but he seemed very positive
that his time was very short, and that he would soon be kill
ed. I repeated this conversation to Captain William Tice,
and we concluded we would take him out of the ranks and
place him in charge of our mess and pack mule, which we
did. A few days afterward our brigade made a reconnois-
sance to White Post, and, on our return, the enemy had ad
vanced their line to Berryville and cut off our direct line of
retreat. We made a detour around the town, but in so doing
our flank was attacked by the Rebel infantry. In the engage
ment that followed the regiment was formed in line of com
panies, with the pack train some distance in the rear. A
Rebel battery was shelling us and the first shell fired struck
Aaron Woomer, killing him almost instantly. The fact was
at once reported to me. I went back to see him. He lived
just long enough to hand me his watch and Bible, with a
request to have the same sent to his wife, which I did. The
last words he said were : "I told you my time was short."
We could not bring his body with us, so we buried him where
he was shot.

BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS.

In reference to the big battles in which the regiment took
part, I regard the battle of Five Forks, April i, 1865, the
severest of them all. On the first day, as you know, we
fought mounted, driving the enemy back to their breast
works near Five Forks. We made several mounted charges,
but failed to dislodge them. We then waited for the infantry
to come up. On account of the heavy rains and muddy roads
they were very slow in getting on the field. It was not until
late in the afternoon of the following day that the new line
of battle was completed. The new formation placed our
regiment, dismounted, on the immediate left of the Fifth

130

REMINISCENCES OF URIAH R. REINHOLD

Corps, right in the centre, and in front of Five Forks, con
fronted by breastworks and a Rebel battery.

About four o'clock the signal gun was fired and the whole
line advanced. In our immediate front we drove back the
Rebel skirmish line until they took refuge behind their
breastworks.. We were now ordered to charge. This charge
was the hottest place I was in during my entire service. If
the enemy had drawn their fire a little lower, I don't see how
anyone could have escaped. The ground over which we
charged was on a rise, and the trees indicated that they shot
about ten feet too high for effectiveness. We carried the
works, but at a fearful sacrifice. Here our first sergeant,
Jesse B. Flickinger, was killed. After the charge I ordered
Sergeants J. A. Loose and Samuel Yiengst to take him to the
rear, but he died before they reached the hospital.

THE BATTLE OF CAMP-KETTLES.

Another incident I recall that may interest the reader oc
curred while in camp at Acquia Creek, near Stafford Court
House, Va., some time in February, 1863. The regiment was
then doing picket duty in the rear of General Hooker's army.
We were greatly annoyed by guerrilla attacks at night. The
call of "Boots and Saddles" was likely to be heard any hour
of the night ; and we would be run out to go to the support
of some picket reserve that had been attacked during the
night. Then sometimes, too, the colonel of the regiment
v/ould have "Boots and Saddles" sounded during the night
to give the men the benefit of the practice in turning out
quickly for emergency attacks. These calls became monot
onous, so, on a certain rainy night, shortly after midnight,
when everything was quiet, some of the men, bent on having
a little fun, selected a few frisky mules, and loaded them
down with a lot of empty camp kettles, mess pans, frying
pans, empty tincups and anything else that would make a
noise, and turned them loose at the foot of the company
streets. The affair was well planned and was a perfect suc
cess. A number of tents were demolished, whilst the mules
got all tangled up with the horses tied to the picket rope,
and, in a short time, there was a general stampede all over

REMINISCENCES OF URIAH R. REINHOLD

the camp. The men rushed out of their tents, thinking that
possibly Hampton's Legion had made a midnight call. The
surprise was complete, and the excitement that obtained for
a half hour and more can perhaps better be imagined than
described. It was some time until the regimental guard cap
tured the mules and restored order. The following morn
ing, at roll call, an effort was made to detect the guilty party,
but all answered, "Not Guilty."

A FAMOUS WAR HORSE.

About twenty-five years after the war, there died, on the
farm of Day Wood, Goshen, Lancaster county, Pa., a horse
brought home at the close of the war by Lieutenant E. E.
Wood, of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry.

This horse came to the regiment, then stationed with the
Army of the Potomac, in the fall of 1862 and was owned
and ridden by Major R. R. Reinhold, who rode him until he
resigned. In the meantime he had been through Sheridan's
Raid to Richmond, the Trevilian Raid and the march from
City Point to the Shenandoah Valley.

He had been in the battles of the Wilderness, Yellow Tav
ern, Meadow Bridge, Hanovertown, Hawes' Shop, Bethesda
Church, Cold Harbor, Trevilian Station, White House and
others not so important. After Major R. R. Reinhold resign
ed, this horse became the property of Capt. M. R. Reinhold,
a cousin of the major, who rode him until the early part of
September, 1864, when the captain was killed, in the saddle,
in a skirmish on the Opequon River.

After the death of Captain M. R. Reinhold, his brother,
Captain U. R. Reinhold, bought the horse and rode him un
til the regiment was mustered out, June 15, 1865. He went
through the Winchester and Shenandoah Valley campaigns ;
the march from the Shenandoah Valley to the Army of the
Potomac before Petersburg, in February and March, 1865 ;
the battles of Dinwiddie Court House, Five Forks, Sailor's
Creek; the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, April 9, 1865;
the march to Washington and the Grand Review at Wash
ington, D. C. It was this horse that saved me from being
captured in at least two skirmishes in the Shenandoah Val-
ley.

132

J. WILSON DF.WITT.
Assistant Surgeon, St. (icor

Del.

THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OF THE
REGIMENT.

BY BREVET MAJOR J. WILSON DEWITT, ASSISTANT SURGEON,
OF THE REGIMENT, ST. GEORGE, DEL.

Because of the many exposures and long and weary
marches to which the men were subjected, the sick calls were
usually well patronized. To properly care for the sick and
wounded was a source of much concern to those who had
charge of the medical department. Large quantities of medi
cal supplies were necessary. During great battles the de
mands for prompt and efficient service for the wounded
were usually far beyond the capacity of even the most skill
ful surgeons to supply.

On October 23, 1862, Doctor James B. Moore was ap
pointed assistant surgeon of the regiment, and served in
that capacity until July 18, 1863, when he resigned. Doctor
Moore was a polished Irish scholar, a graduate of Dublin
Medical College, and somewhat of a poet. His medical edu
cation was very superior.

Doctor Isaac Walborn was appointed surgeon-in-chief of
the regiment January 10, 1863, and served in that capacity
until September 28, 1863, when he was obliged to resign on
account of disability. He was badly wounded in the battle
of Beverly Ford, April 28, 1863. Doctor Walborn was of
good Pennsylvania-German stock and served the regiment
with fidelity.

Doctor J. Wilson DeWitt, a mixture of French and
Scotch-Irish stock, was commissioned as assistant surgeon
and joined the regiment April 10, 1863. He was immediate
ly assigned to the smallpox hospital at Acquia Creek, Vir
ginia. After the battle of Chancellorsville, he was placed in
sole charge of a hospital containing about two hundred
wounded. His responsibility here was great and his duties
most arduous. After the removal of the wounded to Alex
andria, Virginia, he joined the regiment at Aldie, Va., while
on the march to Gettysburg, Pa., and was assigned as senior

133

THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT

assistant surgeon of the regiment, acting as such until Octo
ber, 1863, when Doctor T. S. C. Gardner was assigned to
the regiment as surgeon-in-chief, serving in that capacity
until April 6, 1864, when he resigned. After the war Doc
tor DeWitt entered into private practice and located in St.
George, Delaware, where he enjoys a lucrative practice and
is highly esteemed. He has been on the United States Board
of Pensions for sixteen years, a member of the State Board
of Health of Delaware for eight years, and president of the
Board of Education of his native town for fifteen years.

Doctor George B. Pomroy was appointed surgeon-in-chief
of the regiment May 2, 1864, and served as such until the
final muster out of the regiment, June, 1865. Doctor De-
Witt was mustered out of the service by general order on
account of the close of the war, June 20, 1865. It has
always been a source of much gratification to me to have
had the privilege of being identified with this gallant regi
ment during almost the entire period of its service.

134

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF LIEUTENANT
H. G. BONEBRAKE.

Company G, Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry.

WINCHESTER CAMPAIGN.

On September 20, 1864, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania
Cavalry was ordered to report to Colonel E. O. Edwards,
of the Thrity-seventh Massachusetts Regiment, with head
quarters at Winchester, for provost duty, and was detached
from the brigade until November 25, 1864, when the regi
ment was relieved by the Sixth New York Cavalry.

Winchester is located about thirty miles south of the Po
tomac River, a little south of the centre of the Shenandoah
Valley, and occupied an important position on the military
map of the Army of Northern Virginia.

Until the fall of 1864, the Shenandoah Valley was the
open back door for the Confederate army to make raids in
to Maryland and Pennsylvania, and threaten Washington,
Harrisburg, Baltimore and other northern cities.

The Shenandoah Valley and Loudon Valley adjoining
were also the stamping grounds of Mosby and his guerrillas,
which made provost and patrol duty extremely hazardous.
The men of the regiment frequently declared that they would
rather go on duty on the picket line, or go into battle than
do patrol duty on the highway between Harper's Ferry,
Martinsburg, Winchester and the front. For the enemy they
had to meet were citizens by day and soldiers by night. They
would come within the Union lines by day and learn the
disposition of our pickets and patrols, and then during the
night, with a sufficient force of men, would capture our
posts or lie in wait and capture our patrols. When pursued
they would scatter to their homes, and were citizens. If
arrested, they would take the oath of allegiance, and were
generally released. They would never show fight in the
open field. The report was made in camp one day, that
Colonel Mosby said to a Union officer he had captured;

135

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

"Fighting is not my business, neither do I care much for
prisoners. What I am after is horses, arms and the money
I can make out of it."

The following are a few extracts taken from the diary
of Lieutenant H. G. Bonebrake, of Company G of the regi
ment, covering the Winchester campaign.

Sept. 20, 1864 The regiment reported to Colonel E. O. Edwards, with
headquarters at Winchester, for provost duty. The en
tire day was devoted to establishing hospitals, caring for
the wounded and establishing a picket line. At 6 p. m.
the entire first squadron was detailed to go to Harper's
Ferry.

sept. 21, 1864 The regiment received over two hundred new recruits.
These were very, much needed to replenish our depleted
ranks.

sept 22 1864 scluadron which had been sent to Harper's

Ferry returned. Clothing and other supplies which were
much needed, were issued to the regiment.

sept 23 1864 Several thousand Confederate prisoners passed through
Winchester today on their way to Harper's Ferry.

sept 24 1864 About one thousand prisoners and twenty-one pieces of
artillery, that were captured during the last three or four
days, arrived at Winchester.

Captain Ham and Lieutenant Reinhold made a recon-

oGpt. -<•*->, Iou4

noissance in the direction of Summit Point, and, coming in
contact with Mosby's command, lost their whole com
mand, save nine men. The remainder of the regiment
under command of Major Coe Durland went in pursuit of
Mosby's guerrillas, but did not find them.

sept. 26, 1864 Captain Ham, Lieutenant Reinhold and nine men, who
escaped in a fight with Mosby yesterday, arrived in camp.
Sergeant J. Porter, with a detail of five men, started for
Harper's Ferry with dispatches.

sept 27 1864 Captain Kurtz, with a detail of seventy-five men, left
today for Martinsburg.

sept. 28, 1864 Captain Kurtz returned from Martinsburg with a very
large supply train. We also received mail today. We also
received blanks to make up our pay rolls.

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

Captain Donohoo, with a detail of forty men, went sept, so, 1864
to Martinsburg with dispatches.

Captain English and Lieutenant Snively, with seventy- Oct. 2, 1864
five men, went to Martinsburg for the purpose of guard
ing a supply train to the front. Lieutenant-colonel An
derson returned from General Sheridan's headquarters.
Sergeant D. Royer, in charge of a detail, was attached yes
terday by guerrillas ; and M. Ley of Company G, and Miller
of Company A, were killed. We buried a Confederate
soldier in the cemetery this evening.

Captain English and Lieutenant Snively returned from Oct. 3, 1864
Martinsburg with a large supply train. Lieutenant Rogers,
with twenty-five men, accompanied them.

Major Spera, with one hundred men, was sent on a re- Oct. 4, 1864
connoissance after Mosby's guerrillas. The command re
turned to camp about midnight and reported that they were
on the trail of Mosby, but failed to catch him.

Thirty men of the first squadron were detailed to guard Oct. 5, 1864
an infantry foraging party into the country. Large sup
ply train arrived in camp. Several details were sent to
Martinsburg and Harper's Ferry. Mail was received.

The first squadron went to Martinsburg. Captain Kurtz Oct. 8, ISM
and Lieutenant Snively were robbed last night. Consider
able excitement in camp on account of the robbery. Mail
received today.

First squadron returned from Martinsburg late last Oct. 9, 1864
night. Lieutenant Snively, with a detail, left for Martins
burg.

Captain Ham, with his company, was sent to the front, Oct. 11, 1864
and being attacked by guerrillas, lost a number of men.
The regiment received some new horses.

Lieutenant Snively, with twenty-five men, returned from Oct. 12, 1864
Martinsburg with dispatches.

A report reached camp that a detachment of the Twenty- Oct. is, 1864
second Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry had been attacked
yesterday by Mosby's guerrillas and a number of prisoners
taken. The regiment went in pursuit but did not find the
enemy.

137

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

Oct. 14, 1864 This morning a very large number of teams left Win
chester for Martinsburg for supplies.

Oct. is, 1864 Major Spera and Lieutenants Freeman and Corse, with
a detail of seventy-five men, arrived from General Sheri
dan's headquarters. This evening a cavalry officer, who
died in one of the hospitals, was buried in the cemetery.

Oct. 16, 1864 A large detail went to Martinsburg. Captain Kurtz and
a number of men who had been home on furlough, return
ed to camp.

Oct. is, 1864 General Sheridan arrived at Winchester today from
Martinsburg under escort of Major W. H. Spera and about
fifty men. A large supply train also arrived at Winchester
from Martinsburg escorted by a detachment of the regi
ment.

Oct. 19, 1864 Rebels surprised the Eighth Corps early in the morning,
capturing a considerable number of prisoners and twenty
pieces of artillery and driving our army back to Newtown.
General Sheridan, who had remained all night at Winchester,
when he heard the booming of cannon, hurriedly left Win
chester at eight o'clock with an escort of fifty men of the
regiment under command of Major W. H. Spera, rushed
to the front with all possible speed, met and rallied the
defeated Union troops in the vicinity of Newtown, rees
tablished the lines, ordered a forward movement, drove the
Rebels beyond Fisher's Hill, capturing forty-five pieces of
artillery and a large number of prisoners. In the evening
the regiment moved out the Front Royal Pike some seven
or eight miles and did patrol and picket duty during the
night.

Oct. 20, 1864 Early in the morning the regiment returned to our camp
at Winchester. Captain Kurtz, with a detail went to
Martinsburg. Captain Fitzgerald and Lieutenant Snively es
corted a forage train into the country. Captain English
with his company went to Martinsburg.

Oct. 22, 1864 Captain English, with his company, returned from Mar
tinsburg. Lieutenant Snively, with sixteen men, went to
the front with dispatches.

138

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

For the benefit of the new recruits the regiment had Oct. 24, 1864
saber exercise in the forenoon and dress parade in the even
ing.

A large supply train arrived from Martinsburg. News Oct. 25, 1864
reached our camp that Mosby's guerrillas, about four hun
dred strong, captured General Duffy. The regiment went
in pursuit but did not overtake them. A large mail was
received.

Captain Kurtz, with his company, was detailed to escort Oct. 26, 1864
a foraging expedition into the country. Blankets, over
coats and socks were issued to the regiment. Received
blanks to make out our pay rolls.

Two large supply trains arrived at Winchester, one from Oct. 27, 1864
Martinsburg on its way to the front, the other returning
from the front and going to Martinsburg. Lieutenant-
colonel Anderson of the regiment arrived from Camp
Stoneman with a detachment of remounted men.

Lieutenant-colonel Anderson, with a detachment, went Oct. 28, 1864
to the front. Lieutenant Snively, with a detail, went to
Martinsburg with dispatches.

Captain Kurtz, with his company, went to Martinsburg. Oct. 29, 1864
A special detail of twenty men was made to report to head
quarters for scouting duty.

Captain Kurtz and Lieutenant Snively returned from Oct. so, 1864
Martinsburg. This was pay day. The paymaster paid the
regiment in full to August 31, 1864.

Captain Tice, with his company, left at noon for Martins- NOV. i, 1864
burg, and Captain Kurtz, with his company, started from
the same place at 7 p. m. A large supply train arrived from
Martinsburg.

Captains Tice and Kurtz returned together from Martins- NOV. 2, 1864
burg. Captain English, with his company, left camp, about
midnight, for the front with dispatches.

Captain Donohoo, with a detail of twenty-five men, es- NOV. 4, 1864
corted some officers to the signal station. The remainder
of the regiment escorted General Sheridan to the railroad
bridge across the Opequon Creek. General Sheridan was
taken suddenly ill, and Lieutenant Paul, with twenty-three

139

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

men, was hurriedly dispatched to army headquarters for
medical directors.

NOV. 5, 1864 Lieutenant Snively, with a detail, went to Martinsburg.
He took with him $501.00 which he expressed, from Mar
tinsburg, home for the men. A large supply train arrived
from Martinsburg. Inspection of horses, quite a few be
ing condemned.

NOV. 6, 1864 Sergeant Potter and ten men were detailed for picket
duty. Had inspection of quarters by Major Spera and
Doctor Pomroy.

NOV. 7, 1864 Captain Ham and Lieutenant Snively, with detail, re
turned from Martinsburg.

NOV. s, 1864 An election was held this day in the several companies
for President of the United States. There were 383 votes
cast in the regiment. Abraham Lincoln received a majority
of 93 votes. The regiment made a reconnoissance in the
direction of White Hall. No enemy was seen.

NOV. 9, 1864 • Captain Kurtz, with another detachment, went to the
front. Lieutenant Freeman, with another detachment, went
to Martinsburg with dispatches. The army fell back to
Kearnstown. Supply train and mail arrived at Winchester.

NOV. 10, 1864 Captain Herr, with a detachment of twenty-five men,
went to Martinsburg. A number of remounted men from
Pleasant Valley Camp reported to the regiment. Colonel
J. H. Kellogg, who had been absent from the regiment for
some time, reported and took command.

NOV. 11, 1864 Sergeant J. Fritz, with a detail of ten men, escorted some
colonel, whose name I could not learn, to the front. Cap
tain Herr, with his detail, returned from Martinsburg. Lieu
tenant Snively, with fifteen men, went on picket duty. Re
ceived mail and papers containing election news favorable
to Abraham Lincoln's election.

NOV. 12, 1864 The regimental sutler presented a barrel of ale to the offi
cers of the regiment. The event was celebrated at the head
quarters of Captain Kurtz. This occasioned considerable
comment among the rank and file because they were ex
cluded.

NOV. is, 1864 Colonel Kellogg and Captain Kurtz, with a detail of
twenty-five men, went to Martinsburg. The detail was at-

140

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

tacked by Mosby's guerrillas at Bunker Hill. After a short
but spirited skirmish, the enemy was scattered and the
detail continued the march without any further annoyance.
A large supply train arrived at Winchester from Martins-
burg. Mail was also distributed in camp.

Captain Tice, with a detail of twenty-five men, went to NOV. 14, 1864
Martinsburg with dispatches. Sergeant Potter, of Com
pany C, and eighteen men were detailed for picket duty.
Captain Kurtz, with his detail, returned from Martinsburg.

Captain Tice and detail of twenty-five men returned NOV. is, 1864
from Martinsburg.

Sergeant Martin Shaffner, of Company E with a de Nov- 16> 1864
tail of sixteen men, was captured by Mosby's guerrillas near
Opequon Bridge. The sergeant and three men were killed.
The regiment went in pursuit of the guerrillas but did not
succeed in locating them.

The entire regiment escorted General .Sheridan to Ope- NOV. 19, 1864
quon Bridge on a reconnoitering expedition. No enemy
was discovered.

This was Thanksgiving Day. Several turkeys were ser- NOV. 24, 1864
ved as Thanksgiving dinner. The regiment reconnoitered
as far as Berryville. No enemy was found.

The entire regiment escorted General Sheridan to the NOV. 25, 1864
railroad station. On returning to camp in the evening,
to our surprise, the Sixth New York Cavalry had arrived,
with orders to relieve us from further provost duty at
Winchester.

The regiment left Winchester, moved out the Front Royal NOV. 27, 1864
Pike and rejoined our brigade. The men seemed glad to
be relieved.

In regard to these extracts from Lieutenant Bonebrake's
diary, the reader must not infer that this is a complete re
cord of the service of the regiment during the time men
tioned. Personal matters of course were eliminated, and
only such general references made as came under his per
sonal observation.

The names of Captain Kurtz and Lieutenant Snively are
more frequently mentioned than the rest of the officers be
cause they were the officers of Lieutenant Bonebrake's own

141

10— 17th R.

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

company, G, and anything special occuring to them would
be more likely to be recorded in his diary than things that
had occurred in other companies, or transactions which
might have occurred of which he was not informed.

Be it remembered that there were at least eleven other
captains and twenty-three lieutenants in the regiment who
were as frequently detailed for similar service as were
Captain Kurtz and Lieutenant Snively, hence it would not
be unreasonable to estimate that only about one-fourth of
the service of the regiment is referred to in this diary.

Another prominent factor which enters into the service
record of the regiment at this time is the fact that, includ
ing the two hundred recruits received September 21. ^64,
the average muster of the regiment at this time was only
about six-hundred men, another evidence of the arduous
duties required of the regiment during the Winchester cam
paign. It was not an infrequent occurrence for men to re
turn from duty and he called out again the same day. The
men were almost constantly in the saddle, day and night.
There was a restless disposition among both the officers and
enlisted men of the regiment at this time. They felt that
they were discriminated against, and several requests had
been forwarded to headquarters to be relieved.

Colonel E. O. Edwards, commanding post at Winchester,
paid the regiment the following compliment.

"HEADQUARTERS, U. S. FORCES,
"WINCHESTER, VAV OCTOBER 14, 1864.

"Major Russell, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Cavalry Corps, Middle Military

Division :

"As Major Durland has shown me your reprimand to his regi
ment, I feel called upon to state that I have never seen a better
disciplined cavalry regiment than the Seventeenth Pennsylvania
Cavalry. They have been worked very hard on escort duty, and of
all the dispatches carried by them, but one has been lost. The
escort in charge of the dispatches I refer to, was in charge of a
sergeant who cut his way through and arrived at Edenburg safely
where he was furnished an escort from the Fourteenth Pennsylva
nia Cavalry to proceed to Harrisonburg. That escort was captured,
together with the sergeant and his dispatches. In every other case
they have cut their way through twice their number, and safely de-

142

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

livered their dispatches. The escort accompanying Lieutenant-col
onel Tolles, I think, was ready to do all that men could do. I learn
that the rearguard gave timely notice of the approach of the guer
rillas, that the lieutenant in charge wished to turn and meet them,
that Colonel Tolles gave him orders not to do so, but to move on
at a steady trot. This enabled the enemy to come close enough to
charge and, being much better mounted, they were able to charge
into the midst of the escort. Perhaps the lieutenant should have
commanded his escort in his own way, but I do not consider him
much to blame.

"I have felt called upon to write this, in justice to the Seventeenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry and, though Major Durland requests to be
ordered to the front, I trust he will not be relieved.
"Very respectfully,

"Your obedient servant,
"E. O. EDWARDS, Colonel Commanding Post."

LOUDON VALLEY BURNING EXPEDITION.

The regiment broke camp early this morning near Win- Monday,
Chester, joined the division and marched to Upperville by
way of White Post, Berry's Ferry, Ashby's Gap and Paris.
Went into camp at Upperville, and the entire regiment did
picket duty for the night. After we had crossed the moun
tain into Loudon Valley, we burned several mills, and con
siderable hay and grain, and also drove along some cattle
that had been taken during the day.

We marched to Snickersville and along the route burned NOV. 29, 1864
all the grain, hay, and mills, and also captured more cattle,
sheep and hogs which we drove along. We also captured
several Rebels who were supposed to belong to Mosby's
guerrillas.

Marched to Lovettsville and again burned all the grain Nov> 30) 1864
and hay along the route, even the corn shocks in the fields.
During the day we captured some good horses, also more
cattle, hogs, and sheep which were taken along.

Marched to Snickersville by way of Wheatland, and con- Dec. i, 1864
tinued the work of destruction and the capturing of cattle.
Camped for the night near Snickersville, doing picket duty.

Marched to Millwood and out the Winchester Pike, cross- Dec. 2, 1864
ing the Blue Ridge at Snicker's Gap. Forded the Shenan-
doah River at Snicker's Ferry, passed through Berryville

143

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

and went into camp about ten miles from Winchester. The
work was about the same as the day before.

Dec. 3, 1864 Marched by way of Friendship Mills on the Opequon

Creek. Reached Winchester about noon and went into

camp. We experienced considerable trouble in keeping the

. cattle, sheep and hogs up with the column.

Dec. 4, 1864 The First and Second Squadrons and Company E were

detailed for picket duty.

Dec. e, 1864 The First and Second Squadrons were relieved from
picket and returned to camp. Quite a large number of
horses were condemned, dismounting a number of our
men.

Dec. 7, 1864 Major W. H. Spera with a detachment of men made a re-
connoissance and returned in the evening. No enemy was
discovered.

Dec. 9, 1864 Quite a large number of new horses were received by
the regiment today. Men were busy building winter quar
ters. Major Coe Durland started for home on a fifteen-
day leave of absence.
Dec. 10, 1864 Snow fell last night to the depth of about five inches.

The first squadron went on picket duty.

Dec. is, 1864 Another invoice of new horses was received by the regi
ment, and an order was issued to have all the horses rough
shod.

Dec. is, 1864 General inspection of horses and equipments. Extra
horse-shoes and nails were issued, and arrangements made
to go on another reconnoissance.

GORDONSVILLE RAID.

Dec. 19, 1864 The First and Second Divisions of the Cavalry Corps
left Camp Russell at 7 :oo a. m., marched by way of White
Post and Cedarville, and camped for the night near Front
Royal. General Torbert commanded the expedition. Gen
eral Devin commanded the First Division ; General Powell,
the Second; and Colonel Kellogg, our brigade.

Dec. 20, 1864 Crossed the Blue Ridge at Chester Gap, marched by way
of Flint Hill and Washington, and camped for the night
near Sperryville on the Culpepper Road. The country was
hilly, the roads rough, and the weather extremely cold.

144

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H/G. BONEBRAKE

Crossed the Robertson River and went into camp near Dec. 21, 1864
Madison Court House. Snow and sleet fell all day. More
rough roads and mountainous country. This is a banner
country for apple brandy. It flowed freely all day.

Marched to Liberty Mills and met the enemy at the Rapi- Dec- 22« 1864
dan River. Colonel Kellogg's brigade crossed the river
at White's Ford, drove the enemy from their position, cap
tured some prisoners and two pieces of artillery. The bal
ance of the command crossed the Rapidan at Barrett's
Ford.

The entire command advanced towards Gordonsville, find- Dec. 23, 1864
ing the enemy strongly fortified. The Seventeenth Penn
sylvania and the Ninth New York Cavalry charged the
enemy dismounted and were repulsed. The regiment lost
seventeen men in the charge. We retired during the night,
marched to Russell's Ford, crossed the Robertson River, and
camped for a short time only.

Marched by way of Culpepper, Rittersville, and Sulphur Dec. 24, 25, '64
Springs, going into camp near Warrenton. The weather
v/as distressingly cold, the roads icy, and, the shoes of the
horses becoming smooth, many horses were disabled so that
the dismounted men found it difficult to keep up with the
column.

Marched by way of New Baltimore and White Plains Dec. 26, 1864
and camped for the night about five miles from Middleburg,
Virginia. This day our regiment was the extreme rearguard
and we were greatly harassed by the guerrillas who were
hanging on our flanks and rear all day.

Marched by way of Rector's Cross Roads, Carrville, Dec- w> i864
Upperville, Paris, and Ashby's Gap, crossed the Shenan-
doah River, and went into camp at Millwood. At Ash
by's Gap the column was obliged to make a short halt and
drive off the guerrillas.

We experienced considerable trouble in crossing the Dec. 28, 1864
Opequon Creek; the water was very high. Reached Camp
Russell near Winchester in the evening. We were very glad
to get back. Received a heavy mail. A number of com
missions and promotions awaited our return so that there
v/ere many warm congratulations.

145

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

Dec. so, 1864 The Nineteenth Corps moved four miles north of Win
chester and went into winter quarters. The second brigade
of the First Division of the Cavalry Corps broke camp,
marched by way of Bunker Hill to Opequon Bridge and en
camped for the night. The First and Second squadrons
were detached from the brigade at Bunker Hill and marched
to Charlestown.

Dec. si, 1864 The brigade marched to Charlestown where the First
and Second Squadrons of the regiment joined us ; march
ed by way of Halltown, Bolivar and Harper's Ferry and
went into camp near Berlin. Snow commenced falling in
the evening and continued until the afternoon of the fol
lowing day. Very cold. Colonel Anderson, accompanied by
an officer of the brigade staff, was looking for a suitable lo
cation for a camp for winter quarters.

CAMP AT LOVETTSVILLE.

Jan. i, 1863 The brigade went into camp near Lovettsville in the Lou-
don Valley and was ordered to put up winter quarters.
(From January ist to the Qth nothing unusual is recorded
in the lieutenant's diary, the time being occupied in routine
camp and picket duties and the construction of winter
quarters.

Jan. 10, 1865 Major Coe Durland with four hundred men, made a
reconnoissance up the valley as far as Purcellville, but
found no enemy. Orders were issued for the granting of
furloughs.

oan. is, 1865 General P. H. Sheridan visited the second brigade camp.
Our regimental band tendered him a serenade at headquar
ters. Another reconnoitering party was sent out and re
turned without discovering the enemy.

Jan. 22, 1865 Our brigade commander, General Thomas C. Devin is
sued an order that no citizens were permitted to come in
to camp for the purpose of marketing. Lieutenant-colonel
Anderson received his commission as colonel of the regi
ment. In consequence of this promotion, the regimental
band gave a concert in the evening at regimental headquar
ters.

146

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

Henry S. Foote, a Confederate senator arrived at brigade Jan. 28, ises
headquarters en route to meet a secret peace commission.
Many opinions were expressed as to the outcome of such a
conference.

The Confederate Peace Commissioners passed through Feb. 4, ises
our lines this evening on their return trip. The men were
anxious to learn the results of their conference, but nothing
definite could be learned.

A number of new commissions were received today ; viz : Feb. is, 1865
Major Durland was commissioned lieutenant-colonel; Cap
tains Kurtz and Thompson were commissioned majors ;
Lieutenant Reinhold was commissioned captain of Com
pany I. A scouting party of twenty-five men, in command
of Lieutenant Allen, went to Snickersville to drive off some
guerrillas who were reported located at that place. No.
guerrillas were found. Experienced a severe snow storm.
Very cold.

A detail of two hundred men, in command of Captain Feb- 16. ises
Spera, escorted the brigade supply train to Harper's Ferry
for supplies. Another snow blizzard and very cold.

The return supply train and escort were attacked by Feb. 17, ises
guerrillas at Hillsboro. Colonel Anderson with about three
hundred men met the train at Hillsboro and brought it to
camp. Several deserters and bounty jumpers were executed
today. Major Thompson celebrated his promotion by a
distribution of ale among the regimental officers which
seems to have been the event of the day.

Received orders to be ready to break camp tomorrow Feb. 23, ises
morning at 8:30 o'clock. Destination unknown.

JAMES RIVER EXPEDITION.

Our brigade broke camp this morning and moved by way Feb. 24, ISGS
of Wheatland and Hillsboro and bivouacked for the night
about two miles south of Harper's Ferry. At this point the
dismounted and sick men were placed in charge of Major
Spera and Lieutenant Corse to be sent to the dismounted
camp.

147

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

Feb. 25, 1865 Brigade marched by way of Halltown, Charlestown and
Berryville, and went into camp about two miles south of
Winchester.

Feb. 26, 1865 Large quantities of coffee, sugar and salt were issued to
the men, two days forage for the horses, and eighty rounds
of ammunition. All surplus baggage which had accumulated
during our stay in winter quarters, was left in camp in
charge of the dismounted men. This looks like another
laid.

Feb. 27, 1865 All the mounted troops in the Shenandoah Valley broke
camp this morning and, under command of General Sheri
dan, marched up the valley by way of Newtown, Middle-
town and Strasburg, and bivouacked for the night at Wood
stock.

Feb. 28, 1865 Marched by way of Mount Jackson and New Market,
and camped for the night about eight miles south of the
latter place. During the day our right flank was attacked
by a small force of the Rebel cavalry. We crossed the
Shenandoah River on a pontoon bridge.

Mar. i, 1865 Marched by way of Harrisonburg, Berks Mill and Mount
Sidney and went into camp sorr^e six miles north of Staun-
ton. Had several slight skirmishes with the Rebel cavalry.
Captured a number of wagons. We also captured about
two hundred sheep which we drove along, and turned over
in the evening to division headquarters.

Mar. 2, 1865 Marched to Staunton and out the Staunton Road in the
direction of Charlottesville. General Custer's division went
to Waynesboro and captured some twelve hundred prisoners,
several battle-flags, and seven pieces of artillery, besides
destroying upwards of one hundred wagons. He then
crossed the Blue Ridge and camped near Greenwood, while
cur division went into camp near Fishersville.

Mar. 3, 1865 Continued the march to Charlottesville. Our brigade
marched with the wagon train, and because of the heavy
rains and muddy roads, experienced considerable trouble.
Several teams were abandoned. The dismounted men were
detailed to escort about thirteen hundred prisoners to Win
chester. We also destroyed the railroad bridge, burned the
railroad station and a number of cars loaded with stores.

148

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

Because of the heavy rains we did not move until 3 :oo Mar. 4, ISGS
p. m. Marched via Ivy Hill Station to Virginia University
and at once commenced to tear up the railroad track leading
from Charlottesville to Lynchburg.

Nearly all day was devoted to tearing up the railroad Mar- 5> 1865
track. In the evening we had seven days' coffee, sugar and
salt issued to us.

Marched to Scottdale and enroute we destroyed mills, f ac- Mar- 6> 1865
tories and locks in the canal. Much property was destroyed
this day. We arrived at Howardsville, at eleven o'clock at
night, and went into camp.

The First and Second Brigades of our division continued Mar- 7» 1865
the destruction of locks in the canal. Several storehouses
were burned, also a boat load of provisions was seized and
destroyed. The Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry was sent to
Bencreek to save a bridge across the James River. Our
regiment marched to their support. When we came there
the bridge had been destroyed. Marched to within about
eight miles of New Market and encamped for the night.

Our entire brigade (second brigade of the First Division) Mar- 8> 1865
left camp about 10:00 a. m., and marched by way of How
ardsville, Scottsville and the court-house at Columbia, ar
riving at Columbia the following morning about daylight.
The Sixth New York Cavalry was left at a point between
Scottsville and the court-house to guard a bridge cross
ing the James River. Excepting one hour for supper, the
men were continuously in the saddle for about twenty hours,
thoroughly drenched by a steady rain, while the roads were
distressingly muddy. The distance covered was fifty-nine
miles. The endurance of both men and horses was most
remarkable.

The brigade went into camp at Columbia and immediately Mar. 9, ises
details were sent out in different directions to ascertain if
there were any Rebels in that vicinity. There were none
found on our side of the James River. We were running
short of supplies, so several foraging details were sent out
for subsistence and forage. A number of good horses and
mules were brought into camp. In one of these foraging

149

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

details, three men of Company G got too far away from
their command and were captured.

Mar. 10, 1863 All, excepting the men who were on picket and patrol
duty, remained in camp at Columbia all day. Sheridan
with the balance of his command began to arrive at Colum
bia in the evening and during the night. During the night,
Captain English, with twenty men, secured some flatboats,
crossed the river and drove away the picket on the opposite
side. Went into town and had my boots mended.

Mar. -11, 1865 The brigade marched to Goochland Court House, cap
tured eighteen prisoners and destroyed a number of boats.
We returned to Columbia again during the night. The dis
tance to Goochland Court House was about twenty miles.

Mar. 12, 1860 Reveille was sounded at 3 :oo a. m., but, our brigade did
not get in line until about sunrise. Marched to Cookoosville
and later crossed the North Anna River. Bivouacked for
the night about two and one-half miles south of the Virginia
Central Railroad.

Mar. 13, 1860 Marched to the Virginia Central Railroad, moved in the
direction of Beaver Dam Station and tore up about ten
miles of the railroad track. Went into camp at Frederick
Hall Depot. The country through which we passed today
is poor and water scarce.

Mar. 14, 1865 We marched to Beaver Dam Station and, after destroy
ing the station, went into camp for the night. The Third
Division reconnoitered in the direction of Ashland Sta
tion.

Mar. is, 1865 Marched to the South Anna River and thence to Chester
field Station where we camped for the night.

Mar. 16, 1865 Marched to Monohick Church about ten miles from
Eylettsville and camped for the night.

Mar. 17, 1865 Marched to and encamped near King William Court
House. Captain English with a detail of twenty men es
corted Colonel Forsyth to White House Landing. Our
regiment was in the advance today.

Mar. is, 1865 Marched to White House Landing. Our regiment march
ed in the rear of the column. Received rations and forage.
Here we joined a brigade of the Twenty-fourth Corps.

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

The brigade crossed the York River and went into camp. M»r- 20. ises
Had inspection of arms and horses. Quite a large number
of horses were condemned. Quartermaster Bean of our
regiment was assigned to the duties of post quartermaster
at White House Landing. All the condemned horses were
turned over to Lieutenant Ramsey. All the dismounted men
went into camp in the rear of the brigade.

All the dismounted men of the command were taken to Mar- 21> 1865
City Point on steamers, in charge of Colonel Copinger.
Major Kurtz of our regiment had charge of the dismounted
men of the First Division and I had charge of the men of
our regiment. We left White House Landing in the even
ing.

We were on the boat for two days and two nights. First Mar- 22> 23> >6i
night we passed Yorktown and second night Fortress Mon
roe. During the afternoon of the 23d, we experienced quite
a heavy gale on the James River. We arrived at City Point
on the evening of the 23d, about nine o'clock, and remain
ed on the boat all night.

Disembarked, took breakfast at the Soldier's Retreat, Mar- 24- 1865
marched about half a mile south of City Point along the
river and went into camp. Here we received supplies and
quartermaster stores. During the day, the dismounted men
of the Third Division joined us.

Received from Captain Strong, A. Q. M., horses for our Mar. 25, ises
brigade.

More dismounted men arrived in our camp. Today Gen- Mar. 26, 1865
eral Sheridan's command crossed the James River at Deep
Bottom.

More dismounted men came to our camp. Reported to Mar. 27, ises
cur regiment with such men of our regiment as were re
mounted. Paymaster Sawyer was a welcome visitor in
our camp. The entire brigade received pay and the men
wrere happy.

Another detachment of remounted men of the regiment
reported for duty. Received my commission as first lieu- Mar. 28, ises
tenant of Company G.

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

THE FINAL MOVEMENT.

Mar. 29, 1865 An expedition consisting of the Cavalry Corps, the Fifth
Infantry Corps, with the artillery attached to these com
mands, started on an expedition around Lee's left flank
under command of General Sheridan. The cavalry under
command of General Wesley Merritt were in the advance
and moved to Ream's Station and thence to Dinwiddie
Court House where we went into camp.

Mar. so, 1865 Portions of the Second Brigade of the First Division had
an engagement with the enemy. Our regiment did picket
duty about two and one-half miles north of Dinwiddie
Court House. Heavy rains and soft roads.

Mar. si, 1865 The regiment was relieved from picket duty by the First
U. S. Cavalry. Joined the brigade and formed in line of
battle dismounted between Dinwiddie Court House and
Stony Creek. General Davis's division on our left was
driven back and our brigade was hurried to its support.
The Rebels flanked us and we were driven near the court
house. Lieutenant Stanley Mitchell, and Sergeant-major
James Brennan are missing; Lieutenant Chamberlain and
Sergeant Horton wounded; and a number of men cap
tured. Our casualties were heavy.

Apr. i, 1865 The First Cavalry Division took a position between the
Third Cavalry Division and the Fifth Corps. Our division
took two lines of breastworks and captured about six hun
dred prisoners and two battle-flags. The cavalry and in
fantry together captured over five thousand prisoners, .eight
pieces of artillery and a number of battle-flags. I had
the good fortune to capture a Rebel flag. Captains Ham,
English, Donehoo, and Lieutenant Anglun were wounded.
Sergeants Miller of Company G, McPherson of B and
Flicking of E, all well known in the regiment, were killed.
The list of wounded is the largest the regiment ever had
in one day. General Sheridan relieved General Warren
from the command of the Fifth Corps for not coming to
the support of the cavalry in time.

Apr. 2, 1865 We advanced to the Southside Railroad, destroyed about
a mile of the railroad tracks and then pushed forward in
the direction of Appomattox. Had a spirited engagement in

152

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

the evening. The regiment had several men killed and a
number wounded. The entire command captured about
three thousand prisoners.

The cavalry marched to the left about fifteen miles and APF- 3> 1865
met with but little opposition. We picked up many strag
gling 'Rebels during the day and passed many caissons and
wagons abandoned by the enemy.

The First Division marching toward the left, made a di- Apr. 4, ISGS
version at Deep Creek Bridge. We had a brisk skirmish
about 10 a. m. Marched to Burkeville where we met the
Second Corps.

The cavalry marched to the position held by the Fifth Apr. 5> 1865
Corps. Detachments were sent out in different directions
to ascertain the whereabouts of the enemy. About one
thousand prisoners were brought in by these detachments.
We marched to near Jettersville Station, where a short halt
was made.

Got possession of the Danville Railroad. The cavalry APF- 6» 1865
and infantry this day captured about twelve thousand
prisoners, many pieces of artillery, and destroyed several
large wagon trains. Some eight or ten generals were cap
tured. We camped for the night near Rice's Station.

We crossed the Southside Railroad at Rice's Station, Apr. 7, ises
marched to Prince Edward Court House, and thence, about
five miles west, where we went into camp. Near Prince
Edward Court House we captured a Rebel major-gen
eral and about sixty men. We crossed the Appomattox
River at High Bridge.

Marched to Prospect Station where we connected with Apr. s, ises
the Twenty-fourth Corps. The Cavalry Corps marched to
Appomattox Station, where we captured several supply
trains, some forty pieces of artillery, and a large number
of prisoners.

Early in the morning, McKenzie's division of the Cav- Apr. 9, ISGS
airy Corps advanced on the enemy's lines and was driven
back on our infantry support. The cavalry were then
massed on the enemy's right flank preparatory to making
a flank assault. About eight o'clock a. m., General Lee

153

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF H. G. BONEBRAKE

sent a flag of truce to negotiate with General Grant for
the surrender of his army.

Apr. 10, 1865 The cavalry inarched to Clover Hill, thence to Prospect
Station and went into camp for the night.

Apr. 11, 1865 Crossed Sockett's Creek at Prospect Mill, passed Prince
Edward Court House, and went into camp near Rice's
Station.

Apr. 12, ises Marched to Burkeville Junction where we went into
camp and were furnished with much needed supplies.

Apr. is, 1865 The Cavalry Corps marched to Nottaway Court House.
The captors of Rebel flags took the train at Burkeville and
v\ent to City Point, where we arrived about ten o'clock at
night.

Apr. 14, 1865 At eight o'clock a. m. we embarked on the Steamer Geo.
Leary and arrived at Fortress Monroe at three p. m. There
were fifty-one men with as many Rebel flags which we dis
played on the deck of the steamer. The garrison cheered us
greatly.

Apr. 15, 1865 We arrived at Washington at 7 130 a. m. I stopped at the
St. Charles Hotel. Here I met Lieutenant Stanley L. Mit
chell, of our regiment. Last night President Lincoln was
assassinated at Fiord's Theater. An attempt was made to
assassinate Secretary Seward at his private home. The
greatest excitement prevails in the city. President Lincoln
died this morning at 7 :22.

Apr. 16, ises Lieutenant Stanley L. Mitchell left Washington to join
the regiment.

Apr. is, ises The public is permitted to view the remains of President
Lincoln. I saw his body at 12 130 p. m. The crowd to view
the remains is immense.

Apr. 19, is65 Funeral services for President Lincoln.

The people are still viewing the remains of President Lin
coln in the Capitol.

Apr. 20, ises At 8 a. m. the remains of President Lincoln were taken to
Baltimore, Md., the first stopping place on the long journey
to the burial place, Springfield, 111.

154

H. G. CoNEBRAKE.

Lieutenant, Company G, Waynesboro, Pa.

HENRY G. BONEBRAKE.

FIRST LIEUTENANT COMPANY G, WAYNESBORO, PA.

Lieutenant Henry G. Bonebrake was born near Waynes-
boro, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1838. His
early life was spent on the farm with his father in the
vicinity of Waynesboro, Pa. On September 8, 1862, he
went to the office of Michael H. Stoner, a justice of the
peace in Waynesboro, and signed the muster roll of the
Waynesboro Cavalry, then being recruited in Franklin
county, and later became one of the chief promoters of the
company. When the company was permanently organized
he was elected first sergeant of the company and served in
that capacity until December 15, 1864, when he was com
missioned second lieutenant. On January 14, 1865, he was
commissioned first lieutenant of the company. From the
day the company was mustered into the United States ser
vice, September 26, 1862, until the day of his muster out
of the service, June 21, 1865, he had a continuous service
record with the company.

On October n, 1863, during the engagement at Stephens-
burg, Virginia, his horse was shot on the skirmish line. He,
with Comrade Aaron Harman who was also dismounted at
the time, was cut off from the company and experienced
great difficulty in crossing a swollen stream in their rear.
WThile emerging from the stream on the opposite side, they
were greeted with a volley of Rebel bullets and he received
a slight wound. On December 23, 1864, in the mounted
charge near Gordonsville, Virginia, his horse was again shot
from under him, receiving two bullet wounds, and was
killed. On April i, 1865, at the battle of Five Forks, Virgin
ia, while charging the enemy's breastworks, Lieutenant
Bonebrake and Comrade William Cummings were the first
to leap over the breastworks. Seeing a Rebel battery flag,
he made a dash for it, but failed in the attempt to capture
it. A short distance to the right was another Confederate
color-bearer who was enthusiastically waving his flag
and urging his comrades to stand by the colors. While the
color bearer's attention was principally directed to the as-

155

HENRY G. BONEBRAKE

sault in his immediate front, Lieutenant Bonebrake rushed
to his side, grasped his colors and demanded his surrender-
A hand to hand struggle followed and he succeeded in cap
turing the flag.

For this distinguished and meritorious act he was one of
fifty-one who, having captured Confederate flags, presented
in person their trophies to the Secretary of War, the Hon
orable Edwin M. Stanton, receiving his warm personal con
gratulations. All who presented Confederate flags on that
occasion were granted a thirty days' furlough. In further
recognition of his distinguished bravery, he received from
the War Department, May 5, 1865, a medal of honor for
conspicuous bravery in the battle of Five Forks, Virginia,
April i, 1865, together with the following letter:

WAR DEPARTMENT.

ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, D. C, MAY 3, 1865.
Lieutenant H. G. Bonebrake, Company G, Seventeenth Regiment,

Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry.

Sir : Herewith I enclose the medal of honor which has been
awarded you under the resolution of Congress, approved July 12,
1862 : To provide for the presentation of medals of honor to the
enlisted men of the army and volunteer forces who have distin
guished or may distinguish themselves in battle during the present
rebellion. Please acknowledge the receipt.
Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

W. A. NICHOLS,
Assistant Adjutant General.

An act of Congress approved April 23, 1904, provided
for the issue of a medal. The first was of bronze, the
latter of silver heavily electrotyped in gold. It is much
handsomer than the old medal. The new medal was re
ceived by Lieutenant Bonebrake on Memorial Day, May 30,
1905. Lieutenant Bonebrake prizes these medals very high
ly and regards them as rare souvenirs to hand down to his
posterity. Lieutenant Bonebrake was regularly mustered
out of the United States service, with his company, at
Clouds Mills, Virginia, in obedience to General Order No.
312, War Department, June 16, 1865.

156

MEDAL OF HONOR.
Lieutenant H. G. Bonebrake, Waynesboro, Pa.

...

JOHN H. ZTNX.
Private, Company V, Akron, Ohio.

THROUGH CONFEDERATE PRISONS AND
HOME AGAIN.

BY JOHN H. ZINN, PRIVATE COMPANY F, AKRON, OHIO.

In the following pages I purpose to give a brief narra
tive of a part of my army experience during the Civil War.
When the spring campaign of 1862 had clearly demonstrated
that more men were needed to crush the Rebellion, and
when President Abraham Lincoln issued his call for 300,-
coo more volunteers, on July i, 1862, I doffed the garb of
a citizen and donned the blue. The prime object for do
ing so was, because when my native country which pro
tected my right as an American citizen, not only in my own,
but in foreign lands wherever the American flag is un
furled, was threatened with dissolution, I could no longer
stand idly by and see traitors attempt to disrupt the best
government the world has ever known. And so I joined
the chorus of "We are coming, Father Abraham, 300,000
strong." In the regular order that companies and regiments
were recruited, I became a member of company F, of the
Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry,
and later became identified with the First Division, Second
Brigade Cavalry Corps, serving with the armies of the Po
tomac and of the Shenandoah Valley until the close of the
war. Let this suffice as an introduction to my subject,

"THROUGH CONFEDERATE PRISONS AND HOME AGAIN/'

_I will preface my story with the circumstances of my
capture. Early in the month of August, 1864, the First
and Second Divisions of the Cavalry Corps were transferred
from the Army of the Potomac to the Army of the Shenan
doah Valley. It was freely rumored at that time that the
Confederate army was receiving supplies from the fertile
valleys of Shenandoah and Loudon; that the wheat crops
of those valleys had been threshed and were being trans
ported south. Some of the boys remarked, "Well, if the
Johnnies are doing the threshing, we will do the winnow-

11— 17th R.

THROUGH PRISONS AND HOME AGAIN

ing." But this work of winnowing was not always the
most pleasant thing to do, for frequently the wind blew in
the wrong direction. Conditions in these two valleys fre
quently changed. This was especially true as to the con
stant changes that obtained in the Shenandoah Valley.
Positions that were gained one day were lost the next. This
was so of both the Union and Confederate armies. Now
there was advancing, then retreating. Now we drove the
enemy up the valley, and then they would drive us back
again. The residents of these valleys were very much har
assed by both armies. So far as their losses were con
cerned, it made very little difference whether they were
friends or foes, they suffered the same.

In the Shenandoah Valley followed, in rapid succession,
defeats and victories on both sides. The most disastrous
defeats of the Union army were those of General Franz
Sigel and General Robert H. Milroy. The most disastrous
defeats of the Confederate army were the battles of Win
chester and Cedar Creek. The last battle in which I was
engaged was the battle of Winchester, September 19, 1864.
While our regiment did not participate in the fight until in
the afternoon, the fight was opened early in the morning,
by General G. A. Custer, on the left of the line. The en
gagement soon became general, increasing in intensity hour
after hour, the. enemy stubbornly resisting every inch of
ground. Our division had been massed on the extreme right
of the Union line and, at a given signal, made a vigorous
assault and charged the left flank of the Confederate line,
driving the enemy through Winchester like a whirlwind,
capturing a number of battle-flags and a number of prison
ers. Night coming on prevented our further pursuit. If
ever there was a day in the history of the regiment that the
boys desired a few more hours of daylight to finish the job,
it was this memorable iQth day of September, 1864. On
the following morning, September 2oth, the regiment was
ordered to report to Colonel E. O. Edwards, provost mar
shal of Winchester, for provost duty. The duty assigned
was a very responsible and hazardous one. It was in the
rear of General Sheridan V army that Mosby's guerrillas

158

THROUGH PRISONS AND HOME AGAIN

were most active, prowling through the country, attacking
details of men who were usually unable to cope with them
in point of numbers. The tactics usually employed by these
guerrillas was to lie in ambush at some suitable point along
the highway, watch for a favorable opportunity and rush
upon these details unexpectedly, just as a lion would spring
upon his prey.

On the 24th day of September, 1864, an order came to
our regimental headquarters for a special detail, to report to
the provost marshall. Being the regimental clerk I saw the
order, and being desirous to accompany the detail, I asked
permission of Major Coe Durland to do so. My request
was granted. Captain James Ham, of Company M, was in
charge of the detail. The captain reported with his men,
and received secret instructions. No one of the detail but
Captain Ham knew what his orders were. Indeed, it was
never supposed that the rank and file should know what was
the purpose of their superiors. The duty of the enlisted
men was to obey orders without asking any whys or where
fores. We were ordered to report light mounted, carrying
only carbines, sabres and revolvers. The detail started on its
mission. I soon discovered that the captain moved cau
tiously as though expecting to meet the enemy. He ordered
two men to ride some little distance on the flanks of the
column, one on each side, with instructions to keep a sharp
lookout for guerrillas. About ten miles out from Winches
ter, we came to a beautiful green lane that turned to the
right. At this point the command halted. Two additional
vedettes were thrown out, one on our right, the other on
our left, at about four hundred yards distance. On the one
side was an open field and on the other was a woods with
a deep ravine intervening. A house stood obliquely to our
right, half hidden by trees. The lieutenant and four men
were ordered to this house, and immediately galloped down
the lane. The lieutenant had received secret orders from
the captain. I never learned what they were. A consider
able time having elapsed, and they not returning, the cap
tain ordered a sergant to take command of the detail, while
he with an orderly, galloped down towards the house.

159

THROUGH PRISONS AND HOME AGAIN

They had hardly disappeared out of our sight when we
heard the report of a shot to our left. Looking in the di
rection from whence it came, we saw our vedette running
across the field, dismounted. His horse was shot and he
himself was wounded in the shoulder. The sergeant im
mediately gave the command to fall in, but before we had
time to form in line, in fact, in less time that it takes to tell
what happened, the guerrillas were upon us in superior num
bers, fired a volley into our ranks, killing several of our men,
and captured the remainder excepting two men, who, in
some way, made their escape. The captain, the lieutenant
and the two men who had accompanied them to the house
referred to, not being with the detail at the time of the
surprise, escaped. They were followed by several of the
guerrillas, but I learned later that they failed to overtake
them. While the guerrillas were charging upon us I dis
charged my carbine and then reached for my revolver, but,
before I had time to use it, a Johnnie Reb had covered me
with his revolver with a command to surrender. This com
mand was followed with a number of pet names, more than
I care to enumerate at this time. He had a wonderful vo
cabulary from which he drew. They were all adjectives of
the most emphatic kind.

When he commanded me to surrender with his revolver
pointed in my face, there was nothing else to do but to
obey orders. Of course there was considerable confusion
and commotion at the time, but I was surprised when my
captor failed to disarm me at once. I expected the first
thing after my surrender would be to demand my revolver,
my carbine having dropped out of my hands whilst my sabre
was in my scabbard. On the contrary, the first thing my
captor demanded was my pocketbook. I may have been a
little slow, so he insisted that I should hurry up. "Fork it
over. Fork it over," he repeated. These fellows somehow
had learned to love the greenbacks, even if they did hate the
government that issued them. I complied with his demand,
but, after he had opened the pocketbook and discovered that
it contained less than one dollar, the expression on his
face indicated to me that he was mortified and chagrined.

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THROUGH PRISONS AND HOME AGAIN

The pocketbook contained, however, the photographs of
my sainted wife and child which I prized very highly and
which I was very reluctant to part with. I politely asked
him to return them to me. He promised me he would, and
the same evening he made good his promise.

As soon as we were captured we were hurried away in
the direction of the Shenandoah River. Several of the
men were badly wounded and, because of the hurried march,
suffered greatly. I assured my captors there was no danger
of an attempt being made to recapture us, as there were no
other troops in the vicinity, but they were not disposed to
take any chances, but hurried us along as fast as possible
until we had crossed the Shenandoah. The 'Johnnies were
very much elated over their successful capture. After we
had crossed the river, frequent expressions were made,
"Now we are safe. Now we are safe." I felt that I was
safe too. I mean, safe in their hands. We continued the
march, however, at a slower pace, and, late in the afternoon,
halted for a short rest at a place that I at once recalled as
having seen before. It was during the time that we passed
through ithe Loudon Valley destroying the crops and driv
ing off the cattle to prevent them being used for the support
of Mosby's guerrillas.

A short distance from the road where we were stopping I
saw the very house to which I had gone and found some oats
which I appropriated for the use of my horse. I was in
tercepted by an old man who bitterly complained to me of
the cruelties of the war. He said, "I am old now and the
work of a life time is gone. I was always a Union man and
opposed secession, but Virginia went out of the Union and
I am helpless." I sympathized with him because he claimed
to be a Union man, but consoled him and said to him, — "If
you can substantiate what you just now told me as to your
loyalty, when the war is over, the government will no doubt
reimburse you for your loss. But if you are a Rebel or
have Rebel sympathies you need expect nothing."

While we were thus halted by the wayside, this same old
gentleman came to the road to see us. He addressed him
self to the Johnnies and said. — "Where did you catch all

161

THROUGH PRISONS AND HOME AGAIN

these Yankees?" He was told, at Summit Point. "Good
good! I wish you would catch all of them, for they are
nothing but Lincoln hirelings, barn-burners and chicken
thieves!" Then turning to us he said. "It is well enough
that you fell into the hands of these boys, for, had you fallen
into my hands, I would have put the daylight through some
of you." Turning again to the Johnny Rebs he continued.
"Boys, if I were as young as your are, it would be my de
light to shoot Yankees from morning till night. But I am
too old to go to the front; my eyes are somewhat dimmed
and my hands are unsteady, but, I believe that with my old
flint lock and a good rest, I could fetch a Yankee yet. Ha !
ha! ha!"

I said to myself, "You old, miserable, Rebel hypocrite ! If
I were free I would teach you a lesson on morals !" But I
realized that, just at that time it might have caused a little
unpleasantness to assume the role of an instructor. So I
pulled my .hat down over my eyes, as I did not care, just
at that time, to have him know that we had met before.
While there were, no doubt, some Union men in that sec
tion of Virginia, from such information and observation as
I was able to obtain, in my opinion, they were few and far
between. I think the above description is a fair sample of
the sentiment that prevailed among the large majority of
the citizens of that section of country. They were citizens
in day time and guerrillas at night, and Union men and loyal
to the government only when the boys in blue were around.
We stopped only for a short time at this place, and fearing
that this old gentleman might detect me as having been to
his house before, I was glad when the column moved on.

Our next stopping place was Paris, a small village. Here
we were met by about fifty other guerrillas who seemed
very much excited about something, the cause of which I
could not find out. Their attitude to us as prisoners, to say
the least, alarmed me. Threats of hanging and shooting
were too freely indulged in for real comfort. Just then I
did not feel quite as safe as I did after we had crossed the
Shenandoah River shortly after our capture. Our stay in
Paris was of but short duration, and right glad was I when

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we were ordered to continue the march. After leaving the
town we ascended a steep hill and then, turning to the left,
we entered a field where we camped for the night. Our
horses were unsaddled and unbridled and left run loose
in the field. Before lying down we rendered such service to
our wounded as was possible under the circumstances. I
was appointed surgeon-in-chief, but never having had any
hospital training, with no medicine, no surgical instruments,
and with several wounded men on my hands, my new posi
tion as medical director in chief presented difficulties which
can be better imagained then described.

Among the wounded was an Irishman who was shot in
one of his ankles. His foot was so badly swollen that it was
almost impossible to remove his boot. The operation of re
moving it was exceedingly painful to him. He would cry
out, "Ouch ! ouch ! ouch ! you'll have me entirely killed be
fore you get through with me." "Well Pat," says I. "If you
cannot endure the pain, I must desist; but surely I can
not treat your ankle as long as you have your boot on !" He
said, "Go on wid you !" After several more efforts the boot
was finally removed, when the Irishman shouted his bene
dictions upon me. He said, "God bless the surgeon-in-
chief."

We lay down to sleep, but no sleep came to us. Many a
time since have I thought that if we had been in the jungles
of Africa we would not have been more thoroughly pro
tected from the wild beasts, so carefully were we guarded.
I have since thought, too, that we* did not appreciate their
tender care and vigilance in having two men walk around
us all night. The following morning our horses were
caught, saddled and bridled, by our attendants ; this too was
a new experience. How kind on the part of our
captors to groom and feed our horses and have them
ready for us to start! I took in the situation as best I
could. I made up my mind, there and then, that I would
fight death at every step, and that I would not die on south
ern soil, if it was in my power to prevent it. T inherited a
strong and robust constitution, I possessed strong will

THROUGH PRISONS AND HOME AGAIN

power, and being optimistic, I trusted in God and hoped to
surmount all obstacles that might lie in my way.

We descended the hill and were halted at a house where
we were served with breakfast. Not having had anything
to eat since we were captured, we were ready for our rations.
To our surprise we were premitted to sit down to a fairly
well supplied table, and we did justice to the occasion. The
family consisted of four persons, husband, wife, son and
daughter. I do not now remember that any remarks were
made by the male portion of the house concerning us, but
the mother and daughter were unstinted in maligning the
North and her soldiers. The mother addressed herself
principally to me. After viewing me over from head to
foot, she said. "Well, I perceive you are a full-fledged
Yankee soldier. I replied in the affirmative. "You call us
rebels/' I replied, "Just so!" the lady said. "I want you
to understand that we are no rebels, but we are only right
ing for our rights, our homes, and our firesides." She ask
ed me what State I was from and what my occupation was.
When I told her I was from Pennsylvania and that I was
a public school teacher by profession, she laughed and
said. " I just thought you were some northern teacher or
preacher. You are all a set of black abolitionists, and if I
had my own way about it, not a single northern teacher or
preacher would be permitted to put his foot on Virginia soil.
The North will never conquer the South, Never ! never !
never ! We have separated from the northern abolitionists,
we have formed the Confederate States of America, and
we are determined to be an independent and separate peo
ple." Of course I was not in a position to express my views
as freely as she did hers.

The command was given to fall in, and so, after thanking
the lady most cordially for her kind hospitality, I said
good-bye. The next stopping place was Piedmont on the
Manassas Gap Railroad. Here our horses were taken from
us and we became dismounted cavalry. In this small moun
tain town there were gathered about fifty or more guerrillas.
As we came into the town they at once gathered around
us, seeming very much exercised and excited. We were

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marched a short distance outside of the town, into an open
field where we were detained for some time. We were
soon surrounded by a crowd of citizens and a number of
the guerrillas. I mustered sufficient courage to ask one of
our guards why we were detained and what was the cause
of the intense excitement that prevailed. .The guard said.
"I guess two of you fellows will be shot before we leave this
place." I asked the reason why. He said. "Two of our men
were executed yesterday at Front Royal under the direction
of General Custer and we intend to retaliate." It was true.
General Custer had hanged two of their men, but that was in
retaliation for what had been done to two of our prisoners
before.

After some deliberation the execution was postponed, and
I was told by the guard, afterwards, that the reason was
because we were all Pennsylvanians, — that they had deter
mined as the men who had hanged their men, were from
Michigan, they would wait until they would get some Michi
gan soldiers belonging to General Custer's command before
they would carry their threats into execution. We were
all very glad when we were taken away from this vicious
crowd.

Our next stopping-place was at some crossroad, the name
of which I cannot now recall. The place consisted of a
hotel, store and several houses. Evidently our coming had
been heralded in advance as a goodly number of citizens had
gathered, principally ladies. There were, however, also
about a dozen of Mosby's guerrillas present. Here we did
some trading. I always had supposed it required at least
two persons to make a bargain in trading. Here it was
different. They made their own terms, and we had to ac
cept them. I had a practically new hat which I traded even
for an old one. Boots, shoes and various kinds of clothing
were traded with a freedon and familiarity that was even
amusing to us Yankees, who invariably got the worst of the
bargain. Our next stop was at Gaine's Hill. Here we stay
ed for the night, lodging in a hayshed, where we were very
glad to rest our weary limbs and sore feet. Of course they
continued their vigilance over us. The entrance to the shed

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was not only carefully bolted, but two men with loaded re
volvers in their belts were on guard over us all night. We
were called early in the morning and, to sharpen our ap
petites, we walked about six miles before we took breakfast.
We had eaten nothing since the morning before, excepting
a few green apples that we were permitted to pick up by the
wayside. To this state of things we became fully inured
during our six months' experience. This breakfast was not
in. keeping with the one we had the morning previous. It
consisted of a few hoe cakes, half baked, with a little sour
milk. A spectator, however, would have concluded that our
fare was exceedingly palatable from the way we relished
it.

We continued our march and were told that Culpepper
Court House would be our next stop, and that at that point
we would be furnished with railroad transportation. But
when we came there we learned that the "Yankees" had
been there the day before and burned the railroad bridge,
in consequence of which we continued the march some six
miles further, where we lodged for the night. We had a
fairly good supper and were glad to have the opportunity
to rest our sore feet. Early the next morning we were
again on the march and reached Orange Court House about
ten o'clock where we were put on board the cars, and soon
reached Gordonsville. At this point the guerrillas who
had charge of us, turned us over to the regular authorities
of the Confederacy. We stopped at Gordonsville only long
enough to change cars, and then we were off for Richmond,
our destination. Arriving at Richmond, we were at once
marched to the provost marshal's office for registration.
We all registered as members of Companies F and M of the
Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. We
were then taken to Libby Prison, but before we were con
ducted to our compartments, we were ordered to empty our
pockets, even to the last button, which we did. Then our
clothing was thoroughly inspected to ascertain if we might
have upon our persons any instrument by which we might
effect our escape. I considered myself very fortunate in
being permitted to retain everything I had, and was es-

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pecially surprised that I was allowed to keep a watch that
was given to me by Comrade Jacobs S. Super when he was
wounded.

After the inspection was over, we were conducted to the
third floor. I shall never forget the distressed feeling that
came over me as I entered the already overcrowded and
filthy apartment to which I was assigned, and, for the first
time in my life, looked out of the window from behind iron
bars. Whether our incarceration in this horrible dungeon
had a tendency to cheer our hearts or depress our spirits,
I will let the reader judge. The building had been used
originally as a tobacco warehouse, but, on the inauguration
of the war, was prepared for the confinement of prisoners
of war. The doors leading from one apartment to another
were walled shut so as to prevent communication amongst
the prisoners which might result in plans to effect escapes.
The building was poorly lighted and ventilated, with hardly
any sanitary regulations. The continued arrival of prison
ers made it necessary to provide additional facilities. And
so a number of them were transferred to Belle Isle, just
across the river from Libby Prison. I was one of the num
ber that was transferred, and right glad was I to get out of
the horrible dungeon in which I was confined. But, with
the exception of having a purer atmosphere, our new quar
ters were even worse than in Libby Prison. Belle Isle is an
island in the James River containing about four acres of
ground, surrounded by earth works several feet high, and
was well guarded. It contained about 15,000 prisoners all
huddled together like so many cattle turned loose in an
open field, without any protection or shelter, and exposed
to all kinds of weather. On the west side of the island
was quite an elevation and on its crest were placed a half
dozen cannon, ready for immediate use, which looked
down upon our camp of defenseless prisoners.

Even this place became too congested, and so one day it
was rumored in camp that we were to be paroled. A list
had been prepared and as the names were called we were
ordered to fall in line. We were placed in box cars, but we
knew not where we were going. We soon found out, how-

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ever, that, instead of being paroled, we were being taken still
farther into the interior of rebeldom. Our destination was
Salisbury, N. C. The captain who had charge of our escort
was in the same car I was in. I was one of the last to en
ter the car and, as he had his station near the entrance of
the car, I was close to him, and frequently engaged him in
conversation. And while he had pronounced convictions
as to the issues of the war, he had a sympathetic heart and
did not approve of the manner in which our prisoners Q£
war were treated. He admitted that it was inhuman. Be
fore we reached Salisbury I had sold him tne watch I had
received from Comrade Super for $135.00 in Confederate
money. I always attributed to the sale of this watch, my
escape from Salisbury Prison, as the money I realized
from its sale enabled me to purchase occasionally a few
vegetables so requisite to fight that dreadful disease,
scurvy, from which so many of our men died. I entered
the stockade of Salisbury the last week in October, and
remained in that horrible pit until February 22, 1865.

Salisbury is a small inland town, known to but few out
side of the State of North Carolina, except those who were
so unfortunate as to be compelled to live there as prisoners
of war. But since the war, its name has become familiar in
every State north of Mason and Dixon's Line, as thousands
of homes have been made sad by reason of the many deaths
and intense sufferings of the men who were confined there.
Here thousands of men lay all summer and winter, exposed
to all conditions of weather, most of them without coats,
hats, shoes, blankets or any other kind of clothing which
afforded shelter or protection. The place was thoroughly
honeycombed by digging in the ground, and those who could
get a little shelter in that way were considered most fortu
nate. When it rained they would be obliged to abandon
their caves until they were dry enough to be occupied again.
The ration that was served seldom varied, and if there was
a change at all, it usually was less in quantity and inferior in
quality. It consisted chiefly of six ounces of sour corn
bread, baked from corn meal ground with cobs and kernels,
which was so hard that it was almost impossible to break it ;

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about two ounces of condemned meat of some kind; and,
about twice a week, a little rice or bean slop unfit to eat.

This ration was usually brought into camp in the after
noon and thrown from the wagon, somewhat after the man
ner that a farmer feeds his cattle. Frequently the corn
meal would be issued to us unbaked. With hardly any
cooking utensils and no wood, ofttimes the corn meal was
simply stirred in water and used in that way. Some would
eat it raw. Then there was the dead line, beyond which
none dared to pass, under penalty of death. Perhaps the
most horrible sight was the sight of the dead wagon. Every
morning the big gate would swing open and the dead wagon
would enter, go through the pen and gather up the dead,
pretty much like the scavenger comes to your back door and
gathers up the garbage to haul it away. It was a ghastly
sight to see the dead brought out of the caves every morn
ing, piled on the wagon like so much cord wood and hauled
out of the pen. The unitiated will say, "These are exagger
ated statements." Permit me to say, "No words can de
scribe, nor artist paint a picture dark enough to present the
actual scenes that were daily witnessed in this the worst of
all prison pens."

The constant and all absorbing question among the men
was ways and means to make their escape. Many plans were
suggested and secretly discussed. A plan to overpower the
guard, at a fixed time, was finally agreed upon. General
Hays, who was the senior officer in the stockade, was to
have been in command. But, before an opportune time
came, all the commissioned officers were removed to Dan
ville. Evidently the authorities suspected a general deliv
ery, or, possibly, some traitor revealed the plot. The re
moval of the officers, however, did not lessen the ardor of
the men to attempt the escape. The opportunity soon came.
When General John B. Hood was sorely pressed by General
Thomas, and needing all the men that could possibly be sent
to him, the guard at Salisbury prison was ordered to the
front, and old men and boys took their places at the stock
ade. This was considered a favorable time to run the guard.

But for some reason the old guard did not get away as

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soon as had been expected. As we learned later, they were
delayed in getting transportation as scheduled. The signal
agreed upon was given, and we rushed upon the guard, seiz
ed their guns and ammunition, and rushed for the gate.
Immediately the cry was raised on the outside of the stock
ade, "Revolt! revolt! revolt!" The old guard, which had
not yet left the depot, immediately returned to the stockade
and drove the prisoners back into the pen again. Several
cannon, that were advantageously placed for just such an
emergency, opened upon us, raking us from every available
point, killing scores of our defenseless men. Major Gee,
who was in command of the stockade, stood on one of the
beats of the guard, shouting at the top of his voice, "Shoot

down those d n Yankees like dogs! Shoot them down

like dogs !" At the same time, with his revolver in hand, he
himself was shooting anyone who came in his sight. Had it
not been that many found shelter in the caves, our dead
would have been vastly more numerous. Some one had
blundered, and the plan was a failure. The sacrifice was
great.

Tunnelling also was in progress before and after this re
volt. This was slow and hard work, and not very success
ful, for those who did escape in this way, were invariably
recaptured before reaching the Union lines. Thus we en
dured and suffered, waited and prayed until the morning
of February 22, 1865, when, all of a sudden, news reached
us that we were to be paroled. This welcome news came to
us so unexpectedly that we were slow to believe it. But it
was repeated over and over again, and confirmed by the
guard, so it was accepted as a fact, and there was great re
joicing all over the stockade. Some one started to sing the
long metre doxology, "Praise God from whom all blessings
flow," which was immediately taken up in every part of the
stockade. And it was sung with a spirit and feeling such as
I have never heard given to it before or since. We could
hardly realize that the day of our deliverance had come at
last. Some cheered, some laughed, and some wept for joy.

The order was given to get ready to leave. In less time
than it required to issue the order, the men were ready to

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go. Such of the sick as could be moved were placed in
freight cars ; others, who could not be moved, had to remain.
Many who had expected to go, but failed to get transporta
tion, rather than remain in camp, fell in line, but, failing to
keep up with the column, were obliged to drop out. If it
were possible to locate every grave and erect a marker over
each one of the men who dropped out of the line and died
by the wayside on that memorable fifty-mile march, a blind
man could almost feel his way from Salisbury to Greens
boro, North Carolina.

At Greensboro we were taken on board of cars to Golds-
boro, where we were paroled. From Goldsboro we went to
Stony Point, where we got into the Union lines. Here we
received the best ration we had had for many a day. We
were now about eight miles from Wilmington. We con
tinued the march and reached Wilmington, our destination,
about midnight. Here our commissary was prepared for
our coming, and as we looked upon the abundant supplies
awaiting us, it was almost impossible to control our appe
tites. I know of several who suffered death because of over
eating. We remained several days at Wilmington, and then
v/ere placed on transports to sail down the Cape Fear River,
where our fleet was anchored. I shall never forget my feel
ings as I looked upon the Stars and Stripes once more. I
thought they never looked so beautiful and meant so much
to me. In due course of time we arrived at Annapolis, Md,,
where we were bathed, scrubbed, shaved, had a haircut, and
received an entire new outfit of clothing. This was followed
by a thirty days' furlough. Immediately upon my arrival at
Annapolis, I wrote letters to my father and wife, but the
letters I had written, by some means, were detained, so that
I reached home before their arrival. And so, on a Friday
evening, about sunset, unannounced and unobserved, I walk
ed into the quiet little country town I had left in September,
1862. As I placed my hand on the gate leading into the
yard of my home, I arrested the attention of my wife and
child, who met me with open arms. The news of my return
spread rapidly, and the house was soon filled with neighbors
and friends. To be home once more, surrounded by my

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family, neighbors and friends, was an experience that can
better be imagined than described.

I have thus given a brief sketch of my capture and prison
life during about six months of my army experience. A
great deal more might be said, but space will not permit.
No attempt has been made to exaggerate or magnify state
ments. The true facts, can never be told. Words utterly
fail to express the physical and mental distress that was en
dured by the men who were so unfortunate as to be confined
in the so-called Southern prison pens. Since the war I
have fought over and over again the battles in which I took
part and recall the many hairbreadth escapes I made. I re
gard my escape from the several prison pens in which I was
confined as little less than a miracle. Memory is a great
blessing. Stopping on the road and looking back, great com
fort and cheer comes to my heart in the thought that during
those perilous times through which my country passed, I
gave the best of my life and efforts to save it and to keep
every star on the American flag.

172

H. M. DONEHOO.
Captain, Company B, Beaver Falls, Pa.

HENRY M. DONEHOO.

CAPTAIN COMPANY B, BEAVER FALLS, PA.

Captain Henry M. Donehoo was born in Nobletown,
Beaver county, Pa., February i, 1835. He received his
early education in the public schools and graduated from
the Nobletown Academy. Later he continued his studies
in the Wilmington College of Pennsylvania, from which
institution he also graduated.

When President Lincoln issued his first call, April 15,
1861, for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion, H. M.
Donehoo was a law student in the office of Franklin Saw
yer, in Norwalk, Ohio. To this call Mr. Sawyer responded
by recruiting a company to serve for three months. His
law student, H. M. Donehoo, was the first to sign the mus
ter roll, and rendered valuable assistance in raising the
company.

At the end of his three months' service he remained in
the army and accepted a position as forage-master in Colo
nel Raum's artillery brigade, and served in that capacity
until June I, 1862, when he returned to his native town
and was married to Elizabeth B., daughter of Major
Thomas McCreery, of Beaver, Pa.

About the middle of August, 1862, when his brother, D.
M. Donehoo, and James Q. Anderson were commissioned
by the governor of the State to recruit a cavalry company,
H. M. Donehoo again enlisted. This time for three years
or during the war. The company was later known as the
Irwin Cavalry, and became identified with the Seventeenth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry and was desig
nated as Company A. When the regimental organization
was effected, he was commissioned regimental commissary,
with the rank of first lieutenant. Personally, this merited
promotion was a compliment, but to the company it was a
loss of one of its most active members and most efficient
drill-masters. In the meantime, however, Lieutenant Done
hoo did not lose interest in his adopted company, and de
voted much of his spare time in drilling the men of Com
pany A.

12— 17th R.

HENRY M. DONEHOO

On a certain occasion, while Lieutenant Donehoo was
drilling the company on the field, Colonel J. H. Kellogg,
commanding the regiment, approached and witnessed the
drill. Later the colonel called his regimental commissary
to his headquarters and complimented him as a drill-mas
ter. He said: "There will be a vacancy in the captaincy
of Company B, of the regiment, and I shall send a recom
mendation to Governor Curtin to have you commissioned
captain and assigned to Company B as captain," wrhich was
done. In a very short time there was formed a most cor
dial relation between the members of the company and the
new captain.

Captain Donehoo was brave and commanded his com
pany with marked ability. He was a good disciplinarian,
and he had the reputation of having one of the best drilled
companies in the regiment. He was always extremely
solicitous about the welfare of his men, and was in return
highly esteemed by every member of his company. He was
of fine physique, a good horseman and in every respect an
ideal soldier. Excepting a three months' detached service
at the Carlisle barracks, he participated in all the engage
ments and raids which fell to the lot of the regiment. He
had one horse shot from under him and also sustained sev
eral slight injuries. At the battle of Five Forks, April i,
1865, he was seriously wounded in his right arm. He was
a constant and patient sufferer from his wound, which
finally resulted in his death at Dayton, Ohio, July 2, 1896.
On the morning of July i, 1863, Captain Donehoo, with
his company was on picket duty at Gettysburg, Pa., and
received the first fire from the enemy. For this honored
distinction, Governor Curtin sent a personal letter to Cap
tain Donehoo thanking him for his meritorious conduct in
checking the advance of the enemy on that occasion.

Sergeant G. D. Mullihan of his own company, and one
of General Sheridan's scouts, describes a thrilling skirmish
where Captain Donehoo, with a detail of one hundred men,
completely surprised about an equal number of the Rebel
guerrillas in the Capon Mountains, recapturing some twelve
L^nion prisoners. The expedition was so skillfully planned

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HENRY M. DONEHOO

and so bravely executed that it attracted the attention
of Colonel E. O. Edwards, then provost marshall at Win
chester, W. Va., who had him appointed on his staff as his
assistant adjutant-general.

In 1878 he was elected register and recorder of Beaver
county, and re-elected to the same office in 1881. In this
connection it may not be out of place to refer to the captain's
patriotic wife, who was prominently associated with the
Christian Commission work.

Becoming alarmed at the distressing news of the battle
of Gettysburg Mrs. Donehoo hurried to Harrisburg with
the greatest possible speed. When informed at Harrisburg
that no more passports would be issued to Gettysburg, she
obtained an audience with Governor Curtin. The governor,
was obdurate and advised her to go home. She then sought
an interview with Mr. Irwin, the state treasurer, and, still
later, with Secretary Quay with no better success. She then
secured a conveyance from her brother-in-law Mr. W. C.
Devin, from Mount Holly, Pa., who had come to Harris
burg for safety. He drove her to Carlisle, where friends
filled their carriage with hospital supplies and provisions,
and the journey was continued across the mountain. She
arrived at Gettysburg in safety. She at once began a search
for her husband. She was assured that he was safe and
that his regiment had left Gettysburg. She, however,
found two members of the captain's company who were
seriously wounded. She then devoted her time and at
tention in caring for the wounded, both Union and Con
federate soldiers. From this time until the close of the
war, she was prominently identified with the Christian Com
mission and was frequently in the front, engaged in caring
for the sick and wounded.

At a reunion of the survivors of the regiment at Gettys
burg, Pa., September 26, 1910, Mrs. Donehoo read a very
interesting paper entitled "Reminiscences of the Civil War,"
which was highly appreciated.

175

TWO OF GENERAL SHERIDAN'S SCOUTS.
From "Deeds of Valor" — Volume No. i, Page 402.

The thrilling adventures of two of General Sheridan's
scouts form an interesting chapter of the episodes of the
War of the Rebellion. One of the scouts was Joseph E. Mc-
Cabe, a sergeant of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry;
the other, Archibald H. Rowand, a private in Company K,
First Virginia Cavalry, the former being the general's chief
scout. Among the many achievements of these two men,
the capture of the Confederate general, Harry Gilmor, and
staff was the most brilliant and important. The occurrence
dates at the time when General Sheridan had his headquar
ters at Winchester, during the winter of 1864. It was Row
and who first got the trail of the Confederate general, who,
in a mansion near Moorefield, W. Va., was nursing his
wounds received at the battle of Winchester. He imparted
his information ta General Sheridan, who, at once, formu
lated plans for the capture of the wounded commander. The
task was entrusted to Sergeant McCabe, chief scout ; Major
Harry H. Young, with a detachment of thirty cavalrymen,
and Rowand, who acted as guide. After a ride of forty
miles the party, all dressed as Confederates, reached the gen
eral's place of abode at daybreak. Approaching the house
cautiously, Rowand went ahead, overpowered the sentinel
and made him prisoner. Sergeant McCabe and Major Young
followed and demanded the surrender of the general and
his staff. Resistance being out of the question, the order
was readily complied with, and thus the two scouts were
able to report the complete success of their mission to Gen
eral Sheridan and turn over to him the Confederate com
mander.

Another important capture was that of General Rufus
Barringer. It was on the morning of April 6, 1865, when
McCabe and five companions, all attired in Confederate uni
forms, were riding along on their way to Danville, Va.

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TWO OF GENERAL SHERIDAN'S SCOUTS

Presently they were met by a group of four Confederates,
whom they halted and engaged in conversation. The Con
federates said they belonged to a North Carolina brigade,
and McCabe and his comrades pretended to be men of the
Ninth Virginia. They rode along together till they were
joined by a Confederate officer, apparently of high rank. He
revealed himself, during the course of the conversation, as
General Barringer. McCabe drew from the unwary Rebel
much valuable information, when, without any previous
warning, he informed the general and his men of his iden
tity, and demanded their surrender. His determined atti
tude completely nonplused the Confederates, who were
too greatly surprised to make even a show of resistance.
Only one Rebel escaped. For this clever capture of Gen
eral Barringer, Sergeant McCabe was awarded a medal of
honor.

177

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TICK

COMPANY E, MYERSTOWN, PA.

Captain William Tice was born in Jackson Township,
Lebanon county, February 2, 1818. He was a son of Major
John Tice who saw service in the Mexican War. His early
life was spent with his father on the farm.

In 1843 ne married Sarah Becker and settled on a farm
of his own in the vicinity of Myerstown, Pa. He paid
special attention to stock raising and in the course of about
ten years he was the owner of several of the finest and best
equipped farms in his native county, and his superior stock
was in great demand. In 1855 he located in Myerstown
and soon became one of the most progressive and promi
nent citizens of the town. He was a member of the Re
formed Church, and was one of the original organizers and
promoters of Palatinate College, the leading educational
institution of the county. Immediately after the close of
the war, 1865, ne was elected county treasurer and served
in that capacity for one term.

From his father, and probably from his earlier ancestors,
he inherited the strong instincts of a soldier. This is evi
denced from the fact that he always took a deep interest
in local military affairs. He served as captain of the
Myerstown Dragoons for a number of years, and as major
of the consolidated militia organizations in the county. It
was in this manner that he prepared himself, perhaps un
consciously, for the more strenuous duties which he after
wards so heroically encountered during the W7ar of the
Rebellion. Early in September, 1862 he received a com
mission from Governor Andrew G. Curtin to recruit a
cavalry company to serve for three years, and in less than
two weeks time he reported the maximum number of men
to the governor for muster. He was unanimously elected
captain of the company, and immediately after his elec
tion, he voluntarily pledged himself to remain with the
company as long as his physical condition would permit

WILLIAM TTCE.
Captain, Company I1', Mycrstown, Pa.

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TICK

him to do so. And the fact that he refused all promotions
and was regularly mustered out of the service with his
company, June 16, 1865, shows how faithfully he kept his
pledge.

At the battle of Aldie, Va. June 16, 1863, his favorite
horse, "Jim" was struck by a Rebel shell and instantly kill
ed. The shell cut his sabre in two. Both the sabre and
shell are relics that are very highly prized in the Tice
family.

During the engagement known as Old Church Tavern,
Va., May 30, 1864, while fighting dismounted, he received a
gun-shot wound and was obliged to go to the hospital
for several weeks.

Captain Tice knew the duties of a soldier and performed
them in a superior manner. He was well known and popu
lar in the regiment. He was an excellent horseman and
always rode the best horse in the regiment. He was al
ways solicitous about the welfare of his men, and was in
return, highly esteemed by them. His bravery in action
was an inspiration to his men. He died September 15, 1870
and his remains were deposited on the family plot in the
Union cemetery at Myerstown, Pa.

179

ISAAC N. GRUBB.

CAPTAIN COMPANY I, THOMPSONTOWN, PA.

Captain Isaac N. Grubb enlisted September 26, 1862, as
private in Company I of the Seventeenth Regiment, Penn
sylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and was promoted to corporal,
October 30, 1862. He served as postmaster of the regiment
at Camp Simmons for one month. He was detailed as adju
tant's clerk of the regiment, January 5, 1863, and promoted
to sergeant major of the regiment August 23, 1863. He
was elected first lieutenant of Company I, July 22, 1864.
At the battle of Berry ville, W. Va., August 22, 1864, he
was wounded by a minnie ball through the thigh and sent
to the Navy School Hospital, Annapolis, Maryland. On
September 8, 1864, he was elected captain of Company
I, and, on January 13, ^1865, was discharged on account of
wounds received in action. He, however, had not been
mustered into active service as captain of the company on
account of being disqualified for service by reason of his
wounds.

By a subsequent act of Congress, it was specified, "That
all officers commissioned to a higher grade than that held
by them when discharged on account "of wounds, were en
titled to be mustered into said higher grade, to rank as such,
and receive the difference of pay and allowance between
the said grades." Under this act Captain Grubb was mus
tered as captain of Company I of the Seventeenth Regi
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, in October, 1886.
After the close of the war he located in Thompsontown,
Juniata county, Pa., entered the medical profession, and
is now a successful practitioner, highly esteemed by all who
know him.

180

ISAAC N. GRUBB.
Captain, Company I, Thompsontown, Pa.

THE MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRY
MAN.

FIRST LIEUTENANT JAMES ALBERT CLARK, ADJUTANT
OF THE REGIMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C.

The farther we get away from the war, the more certain
phases of our military experience stand out in perspective to
the exclusion of other incidents, which at the time we consid
ered of greater importance. Thus, places and dates which go
to the making of regimental histories become obscured in fa
vor of the overshadowing view — the making of the volun
teer cavalryman.

Three incidents bearing on this line of thought are insistent
in my recollection, for they show the raw material at the
start, and culminate in the gratifying assertion of General
Sheridan after his return from the Franco-Prussian War,
that his Cavalry Corps, as he left it in 1865, could whip
any equal number of cavalry on the face of the earth.

The first of these three incidents relates to the time when
General McDowell with an army 40,000 strong, encompassed
Washington, endeavoring to organize an army fit to assume
the aggressive. "Bull Run Russell," the correspondent of the
London Times, asked him one day why he did not send a
cavalry reconnoissance toward Fairfax Court House to as
certain what the enemy might be doing. General McDowell
is said to have answered that he had not in his whole com
mand an officer of experience whom he could send. It is
doubtful if General McDowell ever said it, but it was be
lieved to be true over the country, and the publications,
from the more ponderous magazine article to the most
pretentious country weekly editorial, did not hesitate to
enlarge upon such a state of things. The question was put,
"Where are the cavalry officers of the Regulars?" And the
answer followed, "Gone to their respective States, most of
them to organize state troops ; or, doing staff duty in differ
ent parts of the country where experience surely was de
manded; or, promoted to generals and effecting at their
utmost the vast preparations soon to become history."

181

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

Then other questions intruded, "Where are the old ser
geants of the Regulars that have seen service on the plains ;
served in the Mexican War, and drilled under the grand
names that figured in the old First and Second U. S. Cavalry
Regiments, when 'Bobby Lee' was one of them and many
of the brilliant names in the great array of both Federal
and Confederate armies were then officers of the line?"
Same answer, "They are all scattered as drill-masters in
the various States organizing the camps and nearly all now
wearing shoulder-straps instead of the orange chevrons."

The discussion on this state of affairs made an indelible
impression on my mind from the fact that the professors
under whom I was studying to complete my college course,
entered into explanations which to them seemed clear, and
which to me seemed prophetic, because of the nature of our
relations ; being young, I was obliged to accept their dicta
as the resultant of ponderous thought, and as superior to
the common superficial reasoning of the plain people. They
said, we, as a nation were setting in to a period of great
trial. Cavalry could not be made in a day. Continental
Europe with its history from the great Roman days to the
late Crimean War would attest this. Infantry could be im
provised, massed at a call, as, witness the "minute-men" of
the Revolution, but cavalry, No ! !

The second of the three incidents above referred to oc
curred after I had enlisted as a private in K Company,
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, late in the summer of
1862. After a partial drill at Camp Curtin, supplemented
by experience in other camps under a West Point graduate,
and a former officer of the Second U. S. Cavalry, Colonel
Josiah H. Kellogg, we found ourselves pushed to the front
in December, 1862, the regiment being assigned to General
Schimelpfenning, commanding a brigade in the Eleventh
Corps under General Franz Sigel. This was the old order
of things, for the Cavalry Corps was not organized until
early in 1863.

I was sent one day, as an orderly (yet a private) to Gen
eral Sigel's headquarters with instruction to wait for an
answer to the dispatch which I carried. The official quarters

182

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

of the staff of General Sigel were in the building so well
known at that early period of the war as Stafford Court
House. I had handed in my dispatch and was waiting in
the anteroom occupied by the guards, when a well-groomed
officer wearing the rank of captain passed through with an
air of some importance. His dress, which was European
rather than American, dazzling and with medals abundant,
caught my boyish fancy ; his deportment was so imperious
that I asked one of the guards, "Who is that officer?" He
gave me the name which I have forgotten, Captain von
Something, and further added, "He is on the staff of General
Sigel and has seen service in Europe. He is a graduate of a
military school, and at home, a nobleman by birth and rank.
He is a very smart man."

Standing as I did in the anteroom, I heard the conversa
tion in the room adjoining, which was the office of the staff
officer, a lieutenant-colonel, to whom my dispatch had been
delivered. The spectacular military graduate aforesaid
strode in with haughty deportment, and said, "Colonel, you
have sent for me." "Yes, Herr Captain, General Sigel wants
you to go to Dumfries tonight. Reports still come in that
Hampton's men are crossing the river at different points
and continuing their raids."

It may be well to state here that some ten days prior, Gen
eral Wade Hampton had made a raid in force reaching Oc-
coquan, only forty miles from Washington, and had cap
tured many sutler's wagons and part of a government train
on the way to the front.

The captain answered with a rising inflection, "Yes."

The colonel continued, "How many men do you want?"

With no hesitation and in rather an abrupt tone, "One
hundred."

The colonel after a slight pause said, "Captain, you don't
need a hundred men ; it is simply wearing out horse flesh to
pull through the mud on such a dark night."

To my astonishment (for we had already felt the exact
ing discipline of our West Point colonel), this officer, su
bordinate in rank, replied to his superior and in a tone which
carried defiance, "I will not assume the responsibility of an

183

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

expedition to Dumfries with less than a hundred men." And
he carried his point.

My mind naturally reverted to the "Bull Run Russell" epi
sode, and the sage reflections of the scholastic professors
whom I recalled as I reflected, "that's the kind of man Gen
eral McDowell ought to have had."

Nevertheless, in two weeks time, details more than once
were made from our regiment, and ten men under a sergeant
(I being one of the number) were sent out over the same
road for a similar purpose.

The third incident dates in 1864 in the Shenandoah Valley.
We were part of the grand old Cavalry Corps organized
under General Stoneman; had shared with his successor,
General Alfred Pleasonton, the glories of our cavalry
achievements, and now under Sheridan, after following him
confronting the Army of Northern Virginia, we found our
selves fighting or skirmishing somewhere, nearly every day
in the valley.

Two small detachments, one following the other some
days apart, had been lost in attempting to establish com
munication at a distant point west of Staunton. A third trial
was to be made to push through. It was the chief of staff
at Cavalry Corps headquarters who asked Captain Bean,
Assistant Inspector General on the staff of the First Cavalry
Division, whether he knew an officer who might be trusted
to make the third attempt. Captain Bean, who formerly
was of our regiment, came to me, I then being adjutant, and
stated the case. I told him I could name an officer who
would undertake it, and he would go through if anybody
could, and I sent for Second Lieutenant James Anglun.
Lieutenant Anglun and myself had both enlisted as privates
in the same company, and had been together many times on
scouting and reconnoitering trips, so I knew my man. I was
not present at the interview between the chief of staff and
Lieutenant Anglun, but Captain Bean afterward told me
the substance, and he said the chief of staff was more than
ordinarily impressed and pleased with the young fellow's
way of putting things. To cut in short it ran about like
this: The colonel, after explaining what was required,

184

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

giving distance and somewhat detailed information as to
route, coupled with suggestive advice, asked, "Do you think
you can go through?"

"Yes, sir," was the prompt answer.

"How many men do you want?"

"Five."

The colonel seemed surprised at this, and said, "Don't
you think you had better take more men?"

"No, sir, don't want them ; they'll be in the way ; too many
men draw fire and pursuit, and when attacked, we'll scatter,
of course, and then it is harder to rally, and this delays. I
can manage better with five and I don't know but that I
could get along well with three."

And he went with his five men, and he went through, and
this young cavalryman, not yet twenty-one years of age, was
an apprentice to a car builder in the Delaware & Lacka-
wanna Railroad shops at Scranton, Pa.

From "Bull Run Russell" in 1861 to Sheridan's Cavalry
Corps in 1864, the volunteer cavalryman had been made, and
well made. The college professors might go on as they did
with us, forcing their pupils to parse every word of Caesar's
Gallic War and Xenophon's Anabasis, but the volunteer
cavalrymen, by growth and development were already made
into a state which approached perfection, and which chal
lenged the admiration of the thinking world.

THE STUFF IN THE MAKING.

But, there is another point of view in considering the
making of the volunteer cavalryman, the stuff which en
tered into the mass. I dare not hazard a critical summary
which might be offered for all sections of the country, but
will rather confine the deductions to the immediate environ
ment whence we sprang.

In answer to Governor Curtin's call for three regiments
of cavalry as part of that 300,000 called for in 1862, the in
fantry regiments were easily organized, one in this county,
one in another, and so on ; but for the three cavalry regi
ments the whole State contributed. To make the Sixteenth,
Seventeenth and Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry Regi-

185

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

ments all counties were levied upon. It took fourteen coun
ties to make one regiment of twelve companies, our (the
Seventeenth.) One company to a county was the procedure,
hut failing to secure the quota in two companies, contingents
from two counties were spliced on.

The company in which I enlisted as a private, was from
Luzerne County, then the largest, geographically, in the
State ; now divided by the separation of the new county,
Lackawanna. It would have seemed to be easy in such a
large territory to enroll one hundred men for a cavalry troop.
At the county seat, Wilkes-Barre, Colonel Dana had no
difficulty in raising in the same length of time the One
Hundred and Forty-third Infantry, but he had had ex
perience in the Mexican War, and was a lawyer of high
standing, while we, of the prospective cavalry, were rally
ing to a captain whose chief merit was that he owned the
"Black Warrior," the horse which had won every race In
northeastern Pennsylvania. It is laughable to look at this
grotesque incident, of large posters calling for cavalry re
cruits, one-third of the sheet occupied by the big wood cut
of the "Black Warrior" going at his best gait. To add to
the ludicrous, there was the further natural sequence — the
sporting element rallied to his call. Jack Reese, the heavy
weight Welsh slugger, who had knocked out every contest
ant in the ring for years and still held the champion belt,
came forward and was enrolled. This was heralded in the
local press of Scranton, and editorially we were already
dubbed the fighting company ; later "bloody Company K."
Four lightweights, all of whom had fought in the ring, fol
lowed Reese. Coal miners came in, mostly Irish, and a
preponderance of them were boys who were slate-pickers in
the coal-breakers, and who must have ribbed right royally
when they swore they were eighteen years of age. In their
haste to join they wasted no time in washing the coal dust
from their faces.

Another contingent came from the lumbering region on
the Lehigh. They were great brawny, half-wild fellows,
and the local press again dilated on the future of such a
wonderful company. These recruits were muscular wood-

186

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

men, bear hunters in the deep wilderness, and one of them
was the acknowledged Nimrod in all that section. When the
lawyers from Wilkes-Barre went out each fall loaded for
bear, they always called for John Larn, who camped with
them and piloted them in the labyrinths of that dense forest
on Buck Mountain.

Before becoming one of this conglomerated company I
passed some hours in solemn communion with myself, over
the parting counsel of my aged instructor, Professor Tread-
well, who had for years been noted in connection with Chapel
Hill, N. C., but who had accepted a position in the North
just before the outbreak of hostilities. He said to me with
the gravest sincerity and kindliest intentions, "Don't go !
The country does not expect- you to make so great a sacri
fice. There are thousands of young men to whom a three
years' gap in life will make no appreciable difference, but
with you, practically all will be lost. You have but your
junior .and senior years to complete in college, when you
can take your degree. If you enter the service all your
hard-earned study will evaporate; you will be too rusty
to stand an examination if you survive; and how ine
quitable it appears in your case after struggling for your
education, going out winter terms to teach to earn money
to re-enter school for spring and fall terms, and working in
haying and harvesting during vacation at $1.00 per day, and
then to sacrifice it all. Let others go! Besides, in my ex
perience at Chapel Hill, N. C., where I prepared many
young men of the South for West Point and Annapolis,
let me assure you that entering the army will injure you in
other respects. It will change your ideals ; you will look
upon your military leaders with a glorified admiration and
worship. I have watched the career of many of them (and
he mentioned Earl Van Dorn, who was one of his favorite
pupils, along with others). In your after years, your degree
which you can take at graduation will be a help to any ca
reer you may choose, while, on the contrary, a three years'
service will yield no particular merit. Don't go, I beg. But,
if you must go, why not join the young men with whom you
are acquainted? They are all going into the infantry regi-

187

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

ment; they have an interest in common, because from the
same locality; their woes and joys are yours by community
of interest, and in sickness or distress you will always be
with friends."

Wrestling with such sincere counsel, I fought out the de
termination, and enrolled myself among strangers. I had
never met one of them. When the door of the large public
hall, the rendezvous for the recruits, was opened and I was
thrust in, and heard the click of the lock which shut me from
the old world, I looked around at the faces (nearly a hun
dred), and my blood was almost checked with an inward
terror. Here was the company which the local press pro
phesied would mow wide swaths in the ranks of the enemy,
yet a more incongruous, motley gang, I, a country boy, had
never seen.

Rudyard Kipling in his army stories always needs a Ser
geant Mulvaney to enliven the interest, and every regiment
has had its Mulvaney. We had him in this group and he
was the first to speak as I entered, pale from my student
life, not yet fully grown, and to outward appearances, as my
friends more than once warned me, rapidly approaching
consumption. My dress, too, was student-like and all out of
keeping in that mass of heterogeneous humanity. Biglin, a
witty Irishman, the Mulvaney of the crowd, caught sight of
me and bawled, "Phawats that?" and in the next breath,
"Holy Moses, he wud be a sojer."

Digressing for a moment, once more, to those glorious
days in the Shenandoah, Captain Bean used to bring the
gossip of division and corps headquarters, always interest
ing, of course. One cool night around a big blaze of logs,
General Sheridan, his staff, and a few visitors from the
various commands were discussing the ideal cavalry regi
ment, and Captain Bean gave us the substance of what Gen
eral Sheridan offered that night. He said his ideal cavalry
regiment would consist of young fellows from eighteen to
twenty-two years of age, none to weigh over 130 pounds,
and not one in the whole number to be married.

Applying this test to the strange bunch of recruits in the
hall, Sheridan was right, and the slate-pickers and myself

188

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

were to be saved as survivors in the grand test, and so it
proved.

In those rainy days and blizzards of the winter of 1862-
63, in the shifting camps we occupied on the low damp soil
in the vicinity of Acquia Creek where whiskey and quinine
were served to save the dwindling ranks, our massive Welsh
prize-fighter t became a wreck and died before the flowers
bloomed in the spring. The great bear hunter, six feet, six
inches tall, with his huge frame in proportion, was shrunken
to a pitiable sight, his eye sunken and his bones sticking hard
against his sallow skin, and after a stay in the hospital, was
discharged to return home helpless for the rest of khis life.
All the older married men from the Lehigh lumber camps
shared the same fate, eventually. The four lightweight
prize-fighters succumbed later on and were in hospital more
than in camp; they, too, were discharged.

But the slate-pickers, the wicked, waspy, witty, little dare
devils, and myself grew strong and athletic everyday. Not
an hour of sickness for us, and during all our three years'
service, though we had watered our horses in every, stream
from the Potomac to the Blackwater, and from the North
Mountain in western Virginia to the sea, and had drunk
from the same pools, muddy or swampy, not a moment of
sickness for us, and before I had been in the service *six
months I could easily accomplish the stunt I had worked for
assiduously — that of placing my hand on ,my horse's neck
when at a trot, and vaulting at a bound into the saddle. As
for the sportsman who owned the "Black Warrior," he
never became .captain; it was not intended he should; he
had posed as a blind to gather recruits because of his local
popularicy. The commission was given to his friend with
whom an understanding had existed from the, beginning.

THE INITIATIVE.

The supreme problem, however, in the making of the
volunteer cavalryman was the .development of the initiative.
The opportunities for some of us came early. It seems, or
rather, such was the rumor, that General Wade Hampton
had issued an order granting privilege,' of transfer from in-

189

13— 17th R.

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

fantry to his cavalry to any who could furnish the horse and
equipment. This heightened activity along the upper Rappa-
hannock, and annoyed us , incessantly. Crossings at every
ford were frequently made to secure an equipment from the
Yankees. An outpost camp was established a few miles
above the main army commanded by Colonel Cesnola, /who
had seen service in Italy. A squadron from each of the
Sixth and Ninth New York Cavalry regiments reinforced
Colonel Cesnola's own ; regiment, the Fourth. Each day
twelve men from our regiment reported to this camp for
duty, I being of the number, and it so happened that I
was continued on the ; permanent detail. The first day out
(there were twenty of us) we were ambushed near Ellis
Ford. As we entered a stretch of woods riding on a narrow
road cut down on .the side hill, not expecting to meet diffi
culty so near our own camp and even without an advanced
guard, a pistol shot rang out which was the signal, and then
a volley from ( fifteen muskets (we afterward learned the
exact number) accompanied with their yell, "Halt, halt, sur
render you sons of blank." These shots came from the de
tachment of Hampton's command, a trifle short, of twenty
feet distant (as we afterward measured it). They being on
higher ground, concealed in the thicket of low pines, and
having a dead, rest for aim, it is a mystery why most of us
were not murdered. But as two balls pierced Fagin, the
scout, who rode at the head of the column in citizen's
clothes, and one had struck his, horse, it is to be assumed
that more than that number were aimed especially at him.
Four other horses were struck and two men wounded. That
accounts for nine shots, of the fifteen. As no trace of a
pistol shot was found it must be assumed that the lieutenant
in charge carried a single or double barreled pocket affair.
Sergeant Hines, of our regiment, , who rode at my right, and
who was farther from the fire, had his hand shattered. I
felt only the hot blast on my left cheek, but it was hot
enough, .as specks of the burning cartridge ploughed through
the skin, making it uncomfortably sore. For a second I was
absolutely dazed. The suddenness of the attack and the
yells completely stunned me. Initiative in me? Not a (bit

190

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

of it; but in the fraction of a second, looking ahead, as if
intuitively appealing for help from our leader, ,1 saw the
men of the Ninth New York flashing fire from their car
bines into the faces of our assailants. Automatically, the
rest of us 4 followed suit. Our regiment had not yet received
their carbines, so we used our pistols. On these cold days
we had a habit of carrying our revolvers thrust in our
breasts, hanging on the buttons ^of our overcoats, our fingers
being too numbed to pull them quickly from the holsters, so,
instinctively, with no reasoning or initiative on my part, I
did as they did, , and began firing and soon emptied every
chamber. If they in the lead had run, I, loo, would have
been of the "also ran." Our fire was so galling and at such-
close .range, that the enemy instead of re-loading at once,
slunk back into the scrub pines, almost crawling on their bel
lies to escape the blast. Counting our carbine and pistol
shots, we sent nearly three times as many , at them as we re
ceived, yet the fatalities, as afterward learned, were but
two wounded, but they had a steady aim at rest on us, ,and
could each see his man, while we were aiming in the direc
tion of their smoke. Our horses were unsteady, too, and
we were aiming up the side hill where they were concealed.

But in the analysis of the situation, as I philosophize in
my maturer years ,on this, my first baptism of fire, these
incidental details become obscured and I am led to conclude
that the swift contagion of those brave Ninth New York
men gave us (we, the green ones, , I mean) our first cue, and
to this day I wonder at the quickness and initiative. 1 cxuld
not have believed it possible to jerk out a carbine hanging
at its rest and get to firing so soon. The only thing I can
compare is the action of 'the fingers of the expert piano
player. The hand thinks quicker than the brain. Before we
were mustered out in 1865 at the close of the war we had
occasion more than once to appreciate this automatic initia
tive.

You have heard the story of the family seated around the
dining table in February feeding sugar to the last .fly of his
race, and the question which adorned the tale : "Who ever
heard of feeding sugar to a fly in August?" After. the close

191

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

of our ambush episode, Sergeant Hines, back in the camp,
bleeding and in pain, was given the sole occupancy \ of Major
Durland's wall tent until an ambulance could arrive next
day, for he was the first one to shed blood in t our regiment,
and Major Durland actually mixed milk punches for him.
Think of such a scene in 1864! Major Durland. sent for me
to rehearse all the minor details of the event, and examining
the burnt blister on my cheek, gave me a ;milk punch for
getting "nearly killed." In the long campaigns thereafter
when we were adding glory to the honor of American cav
alry, I 'never had a milk punch tendered me for getting near
ly killed. I was the fly in August.

The next day I made my first blunder, and all for the
lack of that initiative which we in after service learned so
well. It is said a lawyer is more successful in the long run
if he loses his first case, and ornamented mottoes are now
sold with President.' Roosevelt's saying, "The man who never
makes mistakes is the man who never does anthing."

That ambuscade of the day previous had aroused Colonel
Cesnola, and a reconnoissance in force was [sent out to pass
up the river along all the fords as far as Kelley's, in charge
of an officer who had seen service in both. the British and
Austrian armies, wearing three medals on his breast and so
well known in the First Cavalry Division as Captain Tim
Hanley,; afterward Colonel Hanley, of the Ninth New York
Cavalry. He had his own squadron, a company from each
of the Fourth and Sixth New York Cavalry regiments and
the usual detachment from our own. We had skirmishes on
the way up, and at the last halt, small patrols were sent out
in various directions to gather information at ! the farm
houses. I was placed as a lookout up the road, the reserve
being not far back under cover of a sharp turn, in the road.
Soon, right ahead of me two mounted men emerged from
the woods as if going toward their home, the .enemy's side
of the river. They were mounted on spirited horses with
better than ordinary equipment, and in personal deport
ment were of distinguished bearing, their beards trimmed
neatly, Vandyke, all of which indicated that they were of
some importance. Looking down the road they saw me. I

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MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

could not tell who they might be, . for the day was drizzling
and they were covered to their boots with their ponchos, as
was I, and their caps were concealed under their oil cloths.
Of .course, I challenged immediately, "Halt, who comes
there?" They gave no answer, but looked at each other as
if exchanging a few words, then each reached under his
poncho and drew a revolver. I saw the glitter of the silver
mountings and was further convinced that they must be offi
cers of rank, so, aiming with my revolver, I fired. My
horse | shied at the report, and my aim for the succeeding
shots was uncertain, they in the meantime galloping toward
me. I had emptied all my chambers, when right behind me
at full charge came a number of the Ninth .New York from
the reserve who had heard my challenge and the first shot.
The two strangers suddenly wheeled their horses back into
the .woods and the race began in earnest, I joining in. Down
some distance one of them lost the blanket from under the
saddle, which shows how furiously he must have urged his
horse, and the quality of the blanket further .attested the
theory that they were men of superior grade. The pursuit
was given up after a long chase, for they knew the. woods,
and on the return I was the victim. They upbraided me for
my "greenness" in the business, and .'kept it up until we
reached the reserve, when the whole affair was renewed in
the hearing of Captain Hanley and a fresh flow of anathe
mas flung against .me because I did not run into the reserve
at once after the challenge, and thus coax them further
along, for, as they expressed it, if they had approached three
or four rods nearer, they would. surely have been captured.
Captain Hanley, with his big generous Irish heart, checked
them and told them if every one of them would stand, with
his face to .the enemy until his last shot was fired, no com
plaint would be heard. But I blundered all the same, and
Captain Hanley as well as I knew it, all for the want of that
initiative which. individualized the typical cavalryman of the
later days.

These reconnoitering and scouting expeditions were kept
up for about forty days and during that time, we of the per
manent detail had been under fire eighteen times, while as

193

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

yet our regiment and its officers had not smelled smoke.
Then .the Cesnola outpost was abolished, and under the new
order the scouting business was placed on a new basis, be
ing thereafter directed from corps headquarters.

But new opportunities for the development of the initia
tive arose, in which all regiments of cavalry operating
on the Rappahannock had a part, that of guarding against
these petty squads from the enemy attempting to get horses
by snatching away a lonely picket or attacking .a reserve
post. Out on the White Ridge Road I was sent eight miles
from the lines in charge of twelve men, having (in the mean
time become a duty sergeant. The colonel, when sending me,
said, "I expect you to bring back every man and every
horse." Our stay was ten days at a time, strictly outpost,
not connected with similar detachments by a picket .line, but
in contact with them by patrols during the night, right and
left, at agreed upon hours, and agreed upon points for. meet
ing. These agreements were made afresh each day in ad
vance of the night, for if the patrols were .regular, as to
routes and hours, the prowlers who were always alert would
know when and where to strike. During those ten days, .in
which occurred one of the worst blizzards I saw in Virginia,
I went each two hours every night with; the fresh relief, and
placed each picket each time in a changed position, and al
lowed no talking going or coming, yet in spite of .all this
precaution we were attacked twice in the ten days ; but I
obeyed the colonel's order, and brought back every. man and
every horse. In looking back at that eventful period, only
six months after my enrollment, and not yet twenty-one
years of age, I can offset the statement of the professor's
that "minute-men" could be massed at a call, but cavalry,
no ! This outpost duty developed the initiative in us and
the little Irish slate-pickers I had with. me from choice, prov
ed their blood and mettle.

But the consideration of the initiative on the larger scale
was awaiting us. . The Cavalry Corps had been effectively
organized, and who can forget that magnificent sight when
President Lincoln reviewed us on the plains of Falmouth in
the spring of 1863. If my memory serves. me aright, there

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MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

were twenty-five regiments in that display, though many had
dwindled to below the quota. Then, again, it looked like
preparing for the .initiative when grindstones were issued
to the regiments and orders given to sharpen the sabres
eighteen inches from the point.

Now followed the spring campaign, the crossing of .the
Rappahannock with Hooker to Chancellorsville. General
Stoneman took nearly all the cavalry with him on his ex
pedition, and, as gossip ran, did not want General Alfred
Pleasonton ; and Hooker, knowing the personal feeling,
said: "Alf, you stay with me." So the story went, at any
rate, and it was well for Pleasonton that he stayed, for the
Saturday night panic of the Eleventh '.Corps is what made
him. He had but three regiments, ours being one, to dash
down Hazel Run, where more credit is due the cavalry than
i:; given. by Colonel Hamlin in his book defending the Elev
enth Corps.

The need of a thorough cavalryman was well shown here,
when our West Point colonel, who had been well cursed for
his .'severe discipline, proved the worth of regular army
training in handling the regiment at that critical time. A
staff officer of some European experience said that night,
such a scene was never before seen on the American. conti
nent, and would never be again. Hooker's pack mules carry
ing ammunition, beef cattle, retreating caissons and even
batteries, were .confusedly intermingled with panic-stricken
men, many with hats lost and muskets thrown away, all fly
ing toward the Chancellor House.

It would have been easy for that swift contagion. of fear
to have seized our regiment, the most of the men and offi
cers never having been under fire, but the .young trained
colonel knew his business ; he allowed them no time to think
of anything but strict attention to his sharp and quickly-de
livered .commands as they rang out in that din, and under
a galling fire. He wheeled us by squadron, first to the right,
next to the left, advancing them by regimental front ; again
he wheeled us as before but to] the left, advancing once more
with the entire front, and these swift evolutions so occupied
the minds of the men that they had no time to think of

195

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

aught else. His quick eye saw everything. Directly athwart
us, a battery flying in retreat at a gallop came to a sudden
halt because of a ditch. An officer yelled, "Spike the guns."
Our colonel, while still snapping out his quick commands,
interjected another to me, "Sergeant, go and stop them from
spiking those guns." I was then in charge of a pioneer
corps of two men from each of our twelve companies, and
rny twenty- four men were equipped mostly .with axes; two
had picks and two shovels. As the pioneer corps rode al
ways at the head of the column directly behind the colonel,
I was .the nearest to him just at that moment. Dashing to
ward the discomfited artillerymen, I yelled in advance,
"Don't spike those guns; we will get you over the ditch."
The answer I got was, "Who the hell are [ you?" Here was
a state of things. Technically that battery was under its own
command, and I, an interloper, yet I was under .orders from
the ranking officer on that part of the field. Some abomin
able epithets were hurled as they snarled at us .to get out
and attend to our business, and for a moment a disgraceful
scene followed, coming to blows, finally, with some of .the
men. Dismounting my men, picks and shovels were soon
tearing down the banks of that ditch, and the men, with
axes, .chopped every sapling in the vicinity, flinging in
branches, trunks, old stumps and debris, until we got the
pieces safely over. It is singular why the officer in charge
of the battery did not see that a .strong cavalry regiment
right there would have to be whipped before they could get
his guns, and in another direction he could have seen .Mar
tin's Sixth New York Independent Battery coming down at
a gallop from the direction of the Chancellor House, but. in
a panic one does not know what may not happen next. As
a matter of digression I had never. thought it possible for a
battery of six guns to fire with such rapidity as did Mar
tin's when they were throwing canister at short range into
Jackson's men.

In the forenoon of that Saturday, returning from a recon
naissance out on the plank road, our colonel ordered a halt
in the woods and directed me with my; pioneers to build an
abattis across the road, and fell trees on either side from

196

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

some distance. John Esten Cooke, in his charming story,
"Eagle's Nest,". mentions this obstruction with its sharpened
poles sticking out toward a possible advance, and it was be
hind this abattis that the North Carolinans were crouched
that night when they fired into Stonewall Jackson .and his
escort coming toward them on the plank road.

During that night an order came from General Pleasonton
to Colonel Kellogg to send out a detail to effect junction
with General Sickles somewhere down deep in the wilder
ness. As I was directly near the colonel with the pioneers,
he ordered me to go. I took .the men, deployed them far
apart but within calling distance and penetrated the thick
undergrowth and darkness. Twice, when challenged, we
were fired into, when I turned almost. at right angle. Soon
another challenged, and, "Who are you?" When I answered
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, a cheerful voice replied,
"You're the ones we're looking for ; get. us out of this where
we can connect with our lines." Thus, I claim the honor of
pulling the first column of the Third Corps out into .the
open.

In the further making of the volunteer cavalryman, our
colonel, fresh. from the regular army, vigorously resorted to
the weeding-out of many of our officers who were totally
unfit for their chosen calling. He simply compelled them to
resign, and they returned to their homes short. in funds, for
they had purchased gorgeous uniforms, fine feathers for
their hats and elaborately decorated sabres and pistols. The
stuff for cavalrymen was not _in them, and on this line of
thought, as we recall subsequent service, the psychological
problem presents itself : Why is it that one regiment excels
another? Why does one squadron, or company, .even in a
regiment, surpass in efficiency all the others ? It would seem
that men raised in a common environment with similar edu
cation and advantages ought to be alike when put under the
same training ; they are all made of one stuff, same calcium
in the bones, same nitrogen in the tissues, same iron in the
blood, same cell structure. in the brain, yet the facts show
that certain regiments, certain squadrons, yes, even cer
tain companies are classed as the best. What can it be but

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MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

that swift contagion of inspiration ? The making of the
men is all in the officers. There is a something which per
meates, as does the psychic force of a man transmitted to
the horse. he rides. Fear begets fear; confidence begets con
fidence. The lack of initiative in small matters betrays it
self and the men feel it. A volume of some proportions
might be filled with such incidents, but one of a kind will do
for illustration.

In that hot fight at Smithfield in the Shenandoah Valley,
we had driven .the enemy's cavalry in on to their infantry,
when they, in turn, forced us back. Pushed through the
small village we found ourselves in that well regulated farm
ing section where the fields of small .size are set off by sub
stantial stone walls. These proved a hindrance in falling
back, especially for the artillery, and much more so to us, the
cavalry. Gaps had to.be torn to let us out. The hard pres
sure of the advancing infantry gave us all we wanted to at
tend to.

Earlier in the engagement, the commanding officer of our
regiment for that day (the adjutant) directed me to detail
a squadron to go down a full mile to watch on the left flank.
I had afterward been kept busy (as we were continually
falling back) riding from one end of our line to the other,
and seeing that we had receded so far, I made bold to in
form the officer in command that the two companies of the
Fourth Squadron were left in an exposed situation. With
a look of visible agitation, he said, "Blazes, go and get them
out; I had forgotten them." If our West Point colonel had
been there he would not have forgotten — he never forgot
anything.

Dashing down that long mile, taking the fire of the enemy
all the way, I was met. some distance from his command by
the captain of the squadron, who was impatient, scolding
because he was forgotten, who yelled, "What are the or
ders?" I answered at that distance, "Get back," and with
his two hundred pounds and over weight, on a heavy horse,
he began loping like an elephant toward his line, but I flew
past him,. and catching sight of one of my former slate-pick
ers, who had now become a sergeant, I yelled, "Take four

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

men to the stone wall and tear a hole wide enough for a col
umn of fours." No slate was ever thrown from a coal
breaker as were those stones from that wall. The captain
pulled his squadron through. I staying with the skirmish
line as rear guard, covered him, the enemy's infantry curl
ing around us like a rope. Two more walls were broken to
let us out in safety, when Biglin, the Mulvaney above men
tioned, broke the silence, "Glory be, adjutant, but you got
us out of that cursed hole foinely." Here was my .chance to
get back at him, and I answered, "Biglin, do you remember
the day I entered Washington Hall? Well, I noticed that
when I was riding down to save you exposed to that fire,
you didn't bawl out, "Phwat's that?"

But there's no use in trying to get ahead of an Irishman.
With his wit and blarney, he came back at me: "Oh! Adju
tant, when yez came into the hall that day, the first time I
ever saw yez, ye was that handsome and ilegant young gen
tleman, thatT had to say Thwat's that.' "

I cite this case of the captain as one of many where the
initiative was lacking. If I had not arrived he would have
waited for orders until he was driven by the .enemy to that
stone wall which must have occurred in a few seconds more,
and seconds count on a fighting field. His horses could not
have jumped the wall. I had a better mount than any in
that squadron, yet I could not have hurdled.it even with my
light weight riding up hill. The result would have been that
his men in desperation would have abandoned their horses
and scaled .the wall to escape capture. By that time they
would have been exposed to a fire from three sides, for they
were in a loop. Why the captain did not have a hole in that
wall ready for escape, seeing his danger, is one of the
strange things which happen.

Time will not allow a further relation of events to enforce
a consideration of the initiative, but in closing I beg for a
moment to answer the gracious and genial old professor
who warned me that I would suffer in after life if I lost my
graduation and .degree at college. If I had it to do over
again I would prefer the three years' schooling in the cav-

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MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

airy service, to the two remaining years in college with its
classical and philosophical training.

And a further consolation comes to me when I tell my
children, that before serving one full year, running the ga
mut of all. promotions up to first sergeant, I was sufficiently
made into a cavalryman to be chosen, at twenty-one years
of age, by a West Point colonel, adjutant of a regiment,
which in the words of Major-general Thomas C. Devin,
under whom it had served from the foundation of the Cav
alry Corps to Appomattox, "was as good a cavalry regiment
as ever entered the .service."

A comrade of the regiment who enlisted at sixteen years
of age, who never rose higher than a non-commissioned
officer and who never missed a roll call in three years, now
a prosperous banker in central Pennsylvania, said to me
when on a recent visit to Washington, "Do you know that
I am almost. ashamed when my neighbors ask me how many
engagements I went through; I fear they will not believe
me, but I have the record, and they number 101 without the
skirmishes."

I answered that I, too, was reluctant to talk about them,
but I counted differently. I number the engagements fifty-
six and the skirmishes over eighty that I went through, and
in enumerating the latter I do not count sniping and pot
shooting. I call it an engagement when a good battle line
was formed .and fought on, and where artillery was used.
Many of these, to be sure, were where only our brigade par
ticipated. What I call a skirmish is where a determined and
well defined line was shooting to kill an equally deployed
and persistent line, though the reserves were not wholly call
ed into action. But, whatever the number, soldiers wrho
know the history of the First Division of the Cavalry Corps
of the Army of the Potomac and the Shenandoah will not
be staggered when they hear such an estimate.

At a .Grand Army encampment, a group of newspaper
men were discussing the interesting columns of the Phila-
'delphia Inquirer, which was reprinting the war news just as
it was published in war time from day to day, and one said
to me: "You cavalry had a great many skirmishes, I see;

200

MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

but in the heavier engagements, Kilpatrick did most of the
fighting, didn't he ?" I simply answered, "My friend, Gen
eral Kilpatrick, who commanded the Third Division of the
Cavalry Corps, did good service, and no one, I hope, would
wish to lessen it in the least, but the First Division, under
General Buford, and the Second under Gregg, also are en
titled to a share of honor in cavalry achievements, and the
reason why you do not see longer articles touching them is
because you are not acquainted with a bit of unwritten his
tory which may explain."

General Buford, who, many of us claim, was the best cav
alry officer ever produced on this continent, enforced a rule
that no newspaper correspondent should be quartered with
the staff of his division. General Wesley Merritt, who suc
ceeded him after the lamented death in December, 1863,
adhered to the same rule. It could hardly be expected that
long descriptions of cavalry engagements with big "scare
lines" for headings could appear under such an existing
state of things.

This modest, dignified bearing was ever a characteristic
feature of the First Cavalry Division, and it had its salu
tary effect in .the making of the volunteer cavalryman, and
herein is where I wish to again answer the kindly old pro
fessor, who warned me that army life would have a ten
dency to change my ideals. It did change my ideals. My
preconceived notions (boyish, of course, I admit) that a
typical cavalryman was a swashbuckler, who rode terrifically
with his sabre gripped by his teeth, a revolver. in each hand
and his breath almost aflame as it spurted from his
nostrils, all disappeared, and in lieu thereof we saw the
grand, immortal Buford, a veritable likeness of a gracious
judge of the eighteenth century, his benign face always in
a smile, his white necktie cut evenly square as the two wide
laps hung down on his high-buttoned coat, placid as a cour
tier, charming as a picture of the old school of gentlemen,
and as affectionate and magnetic as a confiding child, and,
in all this, he was really and truly the terrific cavalryman of
our war history.

General Merritt, too, had that genial though rather more

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MAKING OF A VOLUNTEER CAVALRYMAN

reticent demeanor, and left his impress on us, the young
volunteer cavalrymen, in the making. Then, too, we had al
ways with us the reserve brigade, the regulars. They ex
erted an improving influence on us. Speaking generally, the
officers were of a superior order of men in chivalrous de
portment; they knew more than did we, and we had strong
common sense enough to know it. Space will not allow the
justice due them in this paper, but take one, a type, Roden-
bough, Captain Rodenbough as we first knew him, General
Rodenbough afterward. His case will illustrate the points for
the others. What a superb, magnificent specimen of manhood
— a right down royally good cavalryman, yet as graceful
and. accomplished, always as if bound by the social conven
tions of a drawing room, and as genial in greeting on all
times and occasions as if a comrade with his playfellows.
How we provincial youngsters from the country aped those
cosmopolitan, well-bred men. Was there anything of super
cilious affectation in all this? It was the making of us in
our deportment in after life. It was the tenacious clinging
to our newly-found ideals, for they had veritably changed.

202

JAMES A. CLARK.
Lieutenant and Adjutant, Washington, D.

LIEUTENANT JAMES ALBERT CLARK.

ADJUTANT OF THE REGIMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C.

Lieutenant James Albert Clark was born in the city of
New York, December 26, 1841. He received a good aca
demic education. Early in life he developed a craving for
scientific subjects. His studies were interrupted, however,
by the outbreak of the Civil War.

On September 21, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Com
pany K, Sevententh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer
Cavalry which was recruited at Scranton, Pa- December
19, 1862, he was made a corporal; January n, 1863, a duty
sergeant; August i, 1863, first sergeant of his company;
and, on November n, 1863, he was commissioned as first
lieutenant and promoted over twenty-four lieutenants of the
regiment for bravery at the Battle of Chancellorsville, be
ing appointed by Colonel J. H. Kellogg as adjutant of the
regiment. He was a skilled horseman and a gallant soldier.
He participated in all of the battles and skirmishes in which
the regiment was engaged up to and including the battle of
Winchester, W. Va., September 19, 1864, when he was cap
tured by the Sixth Virginia Confederate Cavalry. He entered
Libby Prison, September 22, 1864; was transferred to Salis
bury, N. C., in October, 1864; to Danville, in November,
1864; and returned to Libby Prison, February 18, 1865;
paroled from Libby Prison, February 21, 1865; and de
clared exchanged some time in April, 1865, on account of
the close of the war. He rejoined the regiment, May i,
1865.

He sustained three slight wounds in the following battles :
Upperville, June 21, 1863; Cold Harbor, June i, 1864, and
Winchester, September 19, 1864. He was mustered out
with the regiment at Clouds Mills, Va., June 16, 1865- After
the close of the war he returned to Scranton, Pa., where
he established the "Scranton Daily Times" which paper he
edited for a number of years. He then moved to Laurel,
Maryland, where he founded the "Free Quill."

203

LIEUTENANT JAMES ALBERT CLARK

Later he entered the Bureau of Immigration at Wash
ington, D. C. which position he held at his death, being
highly esteemed by his associates. He was the author of
"A History of the Lackawanna and Wyoming Valleys" and
"A Theosophist's View." He was a member of the Philo
sophical Society, Anthropological Society, and other scien
tific associations.

He died at Baltimore, Maryland, October 12, 1908. His
remains were deposited in Arlington Cemetery with befitting
military honors.

204

Jmi \ \\ Ross.
Lieutenant and OuanrnnasUT, Y import. I'a.

LIEUTENANT JOHN P. ROSS.

THE REGIMENTAL COMMISSARY, VANPORT, PA.

One of the most popular men in the regiment was our
regimental commissary, Lieutenant John P. Ross. Except
ing Captain William Tice, of Company E, he served in his
original position longer than any other commissioned officer
in the regiment. Captain William Tice, of Company E, was
commissioned, September 19, 1862, and because he had
made a pledge to remain with his company as long as his
physical condition would permit, he refused all promotions
and remained with and in command of his company until
its muster out, June 16, 1865. Lieutenant John P. Ross
enlisted as a private in Company A, September 6, 1862,
was promoted to commissary sergeant of the company,
November i, 1862 ; was promoted to regimental commissary
and member of the regimental staff with the rank of first
lieutenant, May 26, 1863 5 and served continuously in that
capacity, to the entire satisfaction of all the regimental com
manders, until his muster out, June 20, 1865.

He was born at Industry, Pa., January 5, 1843, and in his
earlier years assisted his father in the mercantile business.
At the age of sixteen he entered the Beaver Academy, and
at the age of eighteen accepted a clerical position at New
Castle, Pa. In 1861 he received an appointment as clerk in
the commissary department of the Pennsylvania Reserve
Corps, then located at Pierpoint, Virginia, and was present
during the battle of Dranesville, Va., in December, 1861.

He remained with the Reserve Corps through the spring
campaign of 1862, after which he resigned his position for
the purpose of entering the cavalry service- He enlisted
in the Irwin Cavalry Company, then being recruited in
Beaver county, which later was attached to the Seventeenth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry as Company A.
His experience and knowledge of the commissary depart
ment at once attracted the attention of his commanding offi
cers and secured for him the position he so acceptably filled
during his entire service.

205

14 — 17th R.

LIEUTENANT JOHN P. ROSS

To those who are not familiar with the details which
governed the commissary department, it may not be out of
place in this connection to give a synopsis of the allowance
per man and the system that obtained in issuing the rations
tc the men.

Army regulations required the commissary sergeants of
each company to make reports of the number of men in
their respective companies entitled to receive rations. These
reports, if found correct, were approved by the company
commanders and forwarded to the regimental commissary,
accompanied with a requisition for the number of rations
required. The regimental commissary would then consoli
date such requisitions and submit them to the adjutant of
the regiment for verification with the morning reports. If
found correct, they were approved by the regimental com
mander and forwarded to brigade, division, corps and de
partment headquarters. v Issues were then made in the re
verse order. From department to corps, to division, to
brigade, to regiment, and to company. Each officer receiv
ing the same was obliged to receipt for the number and
kind of rations received, and was required to make a re
port, at least once a month, or oftener if deemed necessary,
of all the subsistence so received and issued.

The following formed the basis upon which the rations
were computed and issued, viz, : A ration consisted of twelve
ounces of pork or bacon, or one pound and four ounces of
salt or fresh beef ; one pound and six ounces of soft bread,
or one pound and four ounces of corn meal, and to every
one hundred rations, fifteen pounds of beans or peas ; ten
pounds of rice or hominy ; ten pounds of ground coffee, or
one pound and eight ounces of tea ; fifteen pounds of sugar ;
four quarts of vinegar ; one pound and four ounces adaman
tine candles ; twelve ounces of salt ; four ounces of pepper ;
thirty pounds of potatoes when practicable ; and one quart
of molasses. The reader must not presume, however, that
the above regulations were always followed strictly. Fre
quently conditions obtained that made it impossible to do
so, but the above conveys a reasonably correct description
of the kind and quantity of subsistence that was issued to

206

LIEUTENANT JOHN P. ROSS

the men, although frequently of inferior quality. When the
regiment was in regular quarters the duties of the com
missary department could be performed fairly well, but when
on the march, with meager facilities at command, the duties
of the department were frequently most arduous and the
responsibility great.

Another very important department in military life was
the quartermaster's department. The officer who had
charge of this department also ranked as first lieutenant,
and was also a member of the regimental staff. He had
charge of and was responsible for such supplies as, clothing,
camp and garrison equipage, horses, mules, harness, wagons,
ambulances, forage, tents, blankets, and a thousand other
details not otherwise specially provided for. This depart
ment of the regiment was very efficiently served by Lieu
tenant John Anglun, until May 30, 1864, when, during the
battle of Old Church Tavern, he was killed. Lieutenant
John P. Ross, the regimental commissary, was appointed
to take temporary charge of the department and continued
tc serve in that capacity until the muster out of the regi
ment. The responsibilities of the quartermaster's depart
ment and working details were about the same as those of
the commissary department. I venture the opinion that,
if the history of the war were impartially written it would
be found that the commissary and quartermaster's depart
ments contributed their full share to the success of -the
victories won, for unless the men were well fed and pro
perly equipped they could not march and fight.

Lieutenant Ross was well qualified to perform the duties
of both commissary and quartermaster of the regiment, and
was always on hand in good time when subsistence and sup
plies were to be issued-

207

EXTRACTS FROM ANNALS OF THE WAR.

BY BREVET LIEUTENANT-COLONEL THEODORE W. BEAN, SEVEN
TEENTH REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.

As a prelude to this chapter it may not be out of place to
state that Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore W. Bean
was prominently identified with the regiment and partici
pated in all of its campaigns up to and including the first
day's fight in the battle of Gettysburg. It was during this
engagement that Captain Bean attracted the attention of his
division commander, General John Buford, who, after the
battle, called him to division headquarters and placed him
on staff duty as provost marshal. He continued to serve as
a member of General Buford's staff until the death of that
officer, and subsequently on the staffs of Generals Merritt
and Torbert, who subsequently commanded the division,
remaining with the latter until the surrender of the Army
of Northern Virginia, at Appomatox, April Qth, 1865. This
gave him splendid opportunities for observations, and, as
the regiment was never detached from the division with
which he was identified as a staff officer, the details referred
to invariably connect the regiment and are a part of its his
tory.

The military operations of Major-general Sheridan in
the Shenandoah Valley, beginning on the 4th of August,
1864, and terminating with the James River raid in the fol
lowing winter, were important in results to the armies of
both Generals Grant and Lee. The exigencies of the ser
vice which induced the lieutenant-general to assign General
Sheridan to this department were of grave character, and
when the history in detail of the movements of Sheridan and
Early are authentically disclosed they will be read with as
much interest as have been the stories of romance, founded
by writers of fiction in the lovely valley so terribly devas
tated by advancing and retreating armies. The Union forces
consisted of the Sixth, Eighth and a part of the Nineteenth
Corps, and three light divisions of cavalry, about thirty
thousand effectives. Our first novel experience in this cam-

208

EXTRACTS FROM ANNALS OF WAR

paign occurred on the James River enroute to the capital,
to which point troops were hastened to meet General Early,
who was marching on Washington after his success at
Monocacy Junction. I had charge of the squadron of the
Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, attached to
division headquarters, field books and large quantity of
ordnance stores loaded on the James R. Spaulding, a fine
wooden propeller then doing transport duty for the govern
ment. The captain lashed two barges on the danger side of
the steamer going down the river and loaded them with
horses.

We left City Point a little after sunrise, followed by the
United States mail boat, with many passengers on board.
All went merrily until we were five or six miles down the
river, when, sudden as a thunder-clap, a well-manned field
battery opened on us from the northern shore with a vigor
and effectiveness that did soldierly credit to the gunners in
charge. Shell and solid shot came thick and fast, a missile
cut a guy rope off close to the head of the pilot at his post,
ft shell buried itself in the timbers of the vessel within a few
inches of the boiler, several solid shots tore through the
barges, killing and disabling upward of a dozen fine cavalry
horses. The men on board took cover naturally enough, and
while shells exploded over the deck of the vessel, none were
seriously hurt, but all felt themselves at the mercy of the
enemy without a chance to resist the attack, as the vessel
was unarmed and the battery was beyond the reach of the
carbines. When the guns opened on the Spaulding the mail
boat was perhaps two hundred yards in our rear. She imme
diately turned about and put back to City Point.

The captain of the Spaulding put on all steam possible and
ran the gauntlet. We can recall no instance, when under
fire, that we felt so utterly helpless as while a conspicuous
and floating target for the Confederate artillerists on the
James River about the first day of August, 1864. Upon
reaching Washington the troops, horses and stores were
landed, and we reported to General Custer, then in camp
near Georgetown, and on the following day marched for
Harper's Ferry. The weather was very hot, but recent

209

EXTRACTS FROM ANNALS OF WAR

rains had laid all dust, and the march was one of the few
pleasant ones that we recall. Sheridan's concentration of
troops at Harper's Ferry and Halltown was fully effected
by August loth, and his hunt for General Early began. He
was found in position at and near Bunker Hill, about twelve
miles south of Martinsburg,, with a destructive hand on
the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, rendering it
useless to the government, and commanding the occupation
of the great valley south and west of the Opequon River.
Sheridan's movement was in the direction of Winchester.
His intention was, after securing the fords on the Opequon,
to press on toward Winchester, where he supposed General
Early would give battle.

In this he was mistaken, as the advance of the cavalry
under General Torbert on the Millwood pike, in the direc
tion of Kearntown, found the enemy in full retreat up the
valley. A vigorous pursuit followed, via the Front Royal
turnpike, coming up with Breckenridge's division of infan
try at Newton, in position to cover the exposed flank and
rear of Early's army. This division successfully resisted
the dismounted cavalry in an assault upon it, and subse
quently retired under cover of the darkness on the night of
August nth. On the I2th the command occupied the line
of Cedar Creek, the left extending to Front Royal.

Late in the afternoon of August i6th, the enemy, under
Generals Kershaw and Fitz Lee, sought to force their way
into the valley at Front Royal. This point was guarded by
the First Division of the cavalry, commanded by General
Merritt. The attack of the enemy was anticipated. The ad
vantages of the field were with the Union troops, who met
them at the ford over the Shenandoah and inflicted severe
punishment upon the advance before their supports could
get into position. General Custer led the Michigan Bri
gade, the men fighting dismounted. They were armed with
Spencer carbines, and in the hands of the Western veterans
the work of driving back the infantry was effectually done,
capturing two battle-flags and three hundred prisoners. A
brigade of cavalry, said to be General Wickham's, was
squarely met by Colonel Deven's Second Brigade of the

210

EXTRACTS FROM ANNALS OF WAR

First Division, and forced in much confusion over the nar
row ford about sundown. Colonel Thomas C. Deven was
wounded in the foot and for his gallantry in leading his bri
gade on this occasion was made a brevet brigadier-general.
The event disclosed beyond all doubt that Early was being
reinforced, and that fact put Sheridan on his guard. The
following order was promulgated on the night after the
fight at Front Royal :

HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,

CEDAR CREEK, VA., August 16, 1864.

In compliance with instructions of the Lieutenant-general com
manding, you will make the necessary arrangements and give the
necessary orders for the destruction of the wheat and hay south
of a line from Millwood to Winchester and Petticoat Gap. You
will seize all mules, horses and cattle that may be useful to our
army. Loyal citizens can bring in their claims against the govern
ment for this necessary destruction.

P. H. SHERIDAN,
Major-general Commanding.

On the iSth the troops retired to the lines established in
front of Charlestown, and the above order was carried out to
the letter by the rear guard of the cavalry. Previously the
burning of supplies and outbuildings had been incidental to
battles, but now the torch was applied deliberately and in
tentionally. Stacks of hay and straw, and barns rilled with
crops harvested, mills, corn-cribs ; in a word, all supplies of
use to man or beast were promptly burned and all valuable
cattle driven off over the area of country designated in the
order. The work of destruction seemed cruel and the dis
tress it occasioned among the people of all ages and sexes
>vas evident on every hand. The officers and soldiers who
performed the details of this distressing work were met at
every farm or home by old men, women and children in
tears, begging and beseeching those in charge to save them
from the appalling ruin.

These scenes of burning and destruction, which were only
the prelude to those which followed at a later day further
up the valley, were attended with sorrow to families and
added horrors to the usual brutalities of war, unknown to

211

EXTRACTS FROM ANNALS OF WAR

any other field operations in the so-called Confederacy. The
few Union people, old men, women and children, could not
be made to understand the utility or necessity of the meas
ure, while the outspoken Confederates heaped upon us male
dictions, vowing that the North would yet be successfully
invaded by their sons, brothers and friends, and desolated
in like manner. The common hatred of open foes seemed
to deepen, and to blot out forever all hope of future good
will between North and South.

The troops came into camp loaded down with supplies for
man and beast, while droves of cattle, sheep, hogs and many
good and serviceable horses and mules were turned over to
the quartermaster's department. Affairs had now reached
a climax in the great valley where Confederate chieftains
had won their proudest victories, and where unsuccessful
Union commanders for three years successively shared de
feats and retreats, loss of men and reputation.

GENERAL EARLY REINFORCED.

The reinforcements sent General Early about the middle
of August, giving to that officer an army of thirty thousand,
as estimated by General Sheridan, was strongly indicative
of the determination of General Lee and President Davis.
And the fact that they were obliged to recall them from a
field so important to the Confederacy as the Shenandoah
Valley, when it was absolutely necessary to retain them
there in order to hold it, proved that Grant's system of
"pounding" in 1864 was more effective than McClellan's
"strategy" in 1862. It also proved that Lee's resources were
actually limited to the defensive operations in front of Rich
mond, and that the period of his aggressive movements was
at an end. In the light of subsequent events these conclu
sions became self-evident; but at the time referred to this
was by no means so clear. Sheridan knew that Early had
been reinforced ; he believed that his adversary had about
an equal force to his ; he knew they were veteran troops,
well officered, well armed and equipped; he knew that they
were subsisting in one of the best agricultural regions in
the Confederacy; that they held the field of many victories

212

EXTRACTS FROM ANNALS OF WAR

for the Confederates, associated with a soldierly pride — and
in a comprehensive sense, it was the right wing and arm of
Lee ; he believed that if he struck a blow it must be a vigor
ous and effective one, and that it would be bravely resisted.
Confident that his great leader would compel the return of
the troops sent Early, his anxiety and perplexity was in
promptly ascertaining the time.

No fortifications or entrenchments protected either army.
The lines were only from five to six miles apart, and every
square mile between them was disputed ground by day and
night; vigilance, ceaseless vigilance, was the watchword in
both armies. The time came when General Sheridan be
lieved Grant's call upon Lee had been or was to be respond
ed to. Scout, spy, reconnoissance, surprises and captures
of outposts, — all these well-known expedients, still left the
one question in doubt — had Lee called back his troops?
One more expedient was suggested, originating with Gen
eral Crook, then in command of the Eighth Corps, viz :
Correspondence with a loyal girl then residing in Win
chester, in the person of Miss Rebecca M. Wright. The
lady was well known to General Crook, but she had no
acquaintance whatever with General Sheridan. The work
of having the correspondence carried through Early's lines
was promptly arranged for by employing a colored man,
who, at the time resided between- the hostile lines and
whose occupation was that of a huckster of fruits and vege
tables. The name of this colored man is unknown, also
that of the scout, owing to the loss of General Sheridan's
papers in the great Chicago fire. The following is the cor
respondence :

"September 15, 1864.

"I learn from Major-general Crook that you are a loyal lady and
still love the old flag. Can you inform me of the position of
Early's forces, the number of divisions in his army, the strength of
any or all of them, and his probable or reported intentions? Have
any more troops arrived from Richmond, or are any more coming
or reported to be coming?

"I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

"P. H. SHERIDAN,
"Major-general Commanding."

"You can trust the bearer."

2I3

EXTRACTS FROM ANNALS OF WAR

"September 16, 1864.

"I have no communication whatever with the Confederates, but
will tell you what I do know. The division of General Kershaw
and Cutshaw's Artillery, twelve guns and men, General Anderson
commanding, have been sent away ; and no more are expected, as
they cannot be spared from Richmond. I do not know how the
troops are situated, but the force is much smaller than represented.
I will take pleasure hereafter in learning all I can of their strength
and position, and the bearer may call again.

"Very respectfully yours,

General Sheridan rode from the battlefield of Opequon
to the town of Winchester, in front of which the last stand
was made by Early's army, and called on Miss Wright the
same evening. It was at her home that he wrote his de
spatch to the government officials at Washington, announc
ing his success.

The battle of Fisher's Hill was fought September 22,
1864, three days after the engagement at Opequon. It was
quite a brilliant affair ; and, but for the failure of the chief
of cavalry, General Torbert, to be able to carry out the plan
cf General Sheridan, General Early's army would have
been destroyed or captured.

In the occupation of the valley, Sheridan extended to
Harrisonburg and Mount Jackson with infantry, his cav
alry covering the country* from Port Republic to Staunton.
He remained in this position, subsisting his forces upon the
country, until October 6th, when Grant's famous order of
destruction was promulgated, and the work of burning out
the valley began, which continued for three successive days.
The discomfiture of General Early was attributed to the
want of cavalry. To overcome this difficulty he was rein
forced by two additional brigades, and a new chief of that
arm was sent him in the person of Major-general Rosser.
The new and dashing leader came to the field of peril ac
companied with flaming posters, one of which, given the
writer by a Union soldier, was found on the door of a grist
mill near Port Republic, viz :

"PATRIOTS OF THE VALLEY: Once more to the rescue of your
homes and firesides. Dream not of peace or submission as long

214

EXTRACTS FROM ANNALS OF WAR

as the feet of Northern vandals desecrate your own native soil.
Temporary reverses have befallen our arms in this department;
despair not. The government of your choice has declared its
speedy redemption paramount to its present and final triumph, and
confidently appeals to the patriotic impulses of the masses. Rally.
Organize, and report mounted to

"Rosser, Major-general."

By 7 a. m. on the morning of October 6th the infantry
were well on their way toward New Market, while the cav
alry was thrown forward to near Staunton en masse to
support light brigades sent in the direction of Waynesboro
and Port Republic, from which detachments of small bodies
were directed to find their way by public and private roads
to all property that was to be destroyed. This included all
mills, barns, outhouses, containing straw, grain or hay, — in
a word, everything, even to corn in the shock, excepting
only the dwellings in which the inhabitants lived; also, to
drive off all stock that moved upon hoofs, and if, for any
reason, the same could not be thus moved, then to kill it
that it might not be used by the enemy. After placing in
position a battalion of mounted troops, so as to protect the
Signal Corps from surprise and capture, I joined Lieuten
ant Wiggins on the mountain side at a height of possibly
three hundred feet above the level of the great valley. The
view was indeed a grand one, and in anticipation of what
was soon to take place left impressions never to be for
gotten.

Looking southward from this eminence, the eye falls
upon a broad valley, skirted by the Blue Ridge on the east
and the Alleghenies on the west, traversed by highways in
all directions ; towns, villages and churches forming local
centres among farms, the improvements upon which were
the best in Virginia and possibly in the South. From all
points of observation small bodies of cavalry could be seen,
by the aid of field-glasses, on every public road, gradually
spreading out like foragers at will, giving ample evidence
cf the thoroughness of their instructions and their method
ical execution of the order. Slowly and deliberately our
troops retired, applying the torch and driving off all man-

215

EXTRACTS FROM ANNALS OF WAR

ner of stock. Towards evening a fierce attack was made on
Torbert's right near Timberville. If ever troops found an
incentive to strike vigorous blows for their "homes and
firesides/' it was those who fought Sheridan's destructions
from the 6th to the Qth of October, 1864, for we do not
think the annals of civilized warfare furnishes a parallel to
these destructive operations. It would be an interesting
chapter in the Annals of the War to have the names of the
property owners and the estimated loss of property, real and
personal, suffered by fire within the lines of the Military
Division between August i and December i, 1864. The
work of destruction was to be thoroughly done, and the
blackened face of the country from Port Republic to the
neighborhood of Fisher's Hill bore frightful testimony to
fire and sword. The general burning ceased on the night
cf the 8th, and the work of getting the command in fight
ing trim for the Qth required unusual effort upon the part
of officers, but by daylight all was in readiness and the ad
vance by General Merritt on the pike and General Custer
on the back or mountain road compelled Rosser to retreat
in confusion, losing all his artillery but one gun. The day
was known then and is still spoken, of by the old soldiers as
the "Woodstock Races."

CEDAR CREEK.

The line of Cedar Creek was occupied on the loth by
the infantry ; the cavalry went into position on the right and
left flanks a few days later, having made easy marches after
their pursuit of Rosser to Mount Jackson on the 9th. From
this point Sheridan was called to Washington to consult
with the Cabinet. The cavalry accompanied him as far as
Front Royal, from which point a raid was contemplated by
the main body under General Torbert to Charlottsville and
the Virginia Central Railroad, while he would be escorted
through Manassas Gap to Piedmont, and thence by rail to
the capital ; but owing to a report that Longstreet was march
ing to the relief of General Early, this movement was re
called, and instead of the raid on the Central Railroad, a
reconnoissance down the Luray Valley was made on the

216

EXTRACTS FROM ANNALS OF WAR

1 4th. It was on the return of the cavalry from this move
ment that the command came in contact with a portion of
Mosby's battalion of partisan troops with results somewhat
episodical. The two divisions had bivouacked for the night
about midway between Front Royal and Mill ford, and on
the morning of the I5th took up the line of march to Cedar
Creek. Not anticipating an attack of any kind, the ambu
lance train, with a few wounded and sick men, was sent on
in the advance of the main column, guarded by a squadron
of the Second United States Cavalry, commanded by Lieu
tenant Charles McMaster. Within a short distance of Front
Royal, an attempt was made upon the train by some fifty or
more of Mosby's men. The guard was driven back. The
affair was promptly reported and the leading regiment or
dered to pursue and recapture it. This order was prompt
ly executed and the train recaptured before it reached the
town, but in the melee Lieutenant McMaster's bridle rein
was broken. In consequence he was unable to check his
horse, and he thus found himself a helpless captive among
Mosby's fleeing men. It was while thus riding among them
that he was shot through the head, and, falling to the
ground, was, in a few minutes, found by his comrades still
alive and sufficiently conscious to relate the circumstances
of his mortal wound.

The unwarrantable act incensed his fellow officers and
volunteers were called for, who quickly responded, to ride
down a number of the partisan band and revenge the death
of this young and gallant officer. The volunteers numbered
about twenty-five men, well mounted. They pursued the
scattered squads of Mosby's men, who, having been depriv
ed of their booty, now sought the sheltering hills, as was
their wont. But before they reached the "bush" six of
them were overhauled; three were shot on the highways
and three were brought back to the town. One of these
three, quite a youth, was surrounded by the Michigan Bri
gade on the outskirts of the town and shot down. The re
maining two were hung in a small grove between the town
and the river Shenandoah. I witnessed the execution of
these two men ; it took place within two hours after their

217

EXTRACTS FROM ANNALS OF WAR

capture. The troops present and on duty at this time were
Companies E and L of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cav
alry, and Lieutenant McMaster's Troop of the Second Unit
ed States Cavalry. The latter's non-commissioned officers and
enlisted men, being eye-witnesses to the brutal conduct of
Mosby's men, requested the privilege of executing the order
of General Torbert to hang them, which was granted. It is
due to these men of Mosby's command to say, they met their
cruel fate bravely. Both declared their unqualified loyalty
to the Confederacy and their readiness to die for it, if nec
essary, assuring their executioners, however, that they might
expect retaliation in kind. Both were hung at the same
moment, side by side, to the projecting limb of a large oak
tree, within sight of the town, and a card with their full
names 'written on it; and below, "Such is the fate of Mos
by's men."

218

JOSKPH K.

Sergeant, Company A, Beaver Tails, Pa.

HOW SERGEANT J. E. McCABE BECAME ONE
OF GENERAL SHERIDAN'S SCOUTS.

H. P. Moyer :

MY DEAR COMRADE : — In reply to your request to furnish
you with an account of how I became one of General P. H.
Sheridan's scouts, I take great pleasure in submitting the fol
lowing:

I was a sergeant in Company A of the Seventeenth Regi
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. Just previous to
the opening of the engagement of the battle on the Opequon
River, I was sent out with a detail to find a suitable place to
cross the river. I took a circuitous route, crossed the river
? short distance above the ford, captured the enemy's picket
post, consisting of one lieutenant and sixteen men, and se
cured the ford. I was highly complimented for this daring
and successful feat, and my name was favorably mentioned
afterward to Colonel E. O. Edwards, who, after the battle
of Winchester, was made the provost marshal of that post.
The following day, after the battle of Winchester, Septem
ber 19, 1864, the regiment was ordered to report to Colonel
E O. Edwards for provost duty. On September 2ist I was
sent with a detail of ten men to carry a despatch to Har
per's Ferry. I was attacked by about thirty men of Mosby's
guerrillas. I fought my way through without losing a man,
and got back to Winchester with my return despatches. Col
onel Edwards sent for me, and I had a long talk with him.
He called Major H. H. Young, General Sheridan's chief
scout, into the room and suggested that Major Young and
myself take some men and make a raid around General
Early's army.

The time was fixed, and an order came to my regiment
for Sergeant McCabe with twenty cavalrymen to report to
Colonel Edwards' headquarters. Major Coe Durland (then
in command of the regiment) sent for me, and I had a talk
with him, after which he ordered me to pick twenty men
with good horses, of my own choice, and report to Colonel

219

ONE OF SHERIDAN'S SCOUTS

Edwards. When I reported to the colonel, he told me that
Major Young would take the same number of infantry and
we would start just as soon as the major was ready.

In a short time Major Young reported with his detail and
we started. I often had to stop and wait until the major and
his infantry would catch up. We marched all that day and
saw no Confederates. When darkness came on we stopped
at a brick house on the road to Romney, placed our pickets,
and I lay down and slept all night without being disturbed.

The next morning we continued the march until we came
to Big Kapen Springs, where we captured a Rebel. After
a short rest we took a different road and started for Win
chester. We had not gone very far when we discovered a
gap in a rail fence and a well worn path. I reported this
to Major Young and upon examination we found fresh
tracks of horses. Major Young ordered me to take five of
my men and follow the tracks. I selected Wilson, Stubes,
Whitehill, Christy and Mowery. We went through the
field and up the side of the mountain. The path was so
narrow we had to go single file. We finally reached the top
and started down the other side. Presently we came to a
flat place where there was a small log house and around
that house were six horses tied, with saddles on. We
watched the house for a few minutes and presently a man
came out of the house and one of my men fired at him.
This brought six other men out, and they opened fire on us,
but we had the advantage, for we were armed with carbines
and revolvers and fired as rapidly as we could. We wound
ed two of them, captured the rest and started back.

By the time we reached Major Young it was dark. We
now had seven prisoners. We continued the march and it
was very dark. I took the lead with my cavalry and the major
followed with the infantry. We had not gone very far until
we ran into a squad of Rebels. We halted them, but they did
not answer back, but opened fire on us. I then gave the com
mand to fire and charge them. They turned their horses,
and all but one escaped. One of their men was thrown from
his horse and fell on his face, cutting his head very badly.
We captured him and later learned that he was the notori-

220

ONE OF SHERIDAN'S SCOUTS

ous guerrilla, Charles Sibert. About midnight we reached
Bill Russell's house, eighteen miles from Winchester.

The infantry being very tired, Major Young said we
would stay here all night. I gave my men orders not to un
saddle their horses and to be ready for any emergency that
might arise. After we had established a picket, Major
Young ordered his infantry to go into a vacant blacksmith
shop across the road. He then went into the house and ask
ed Mrs. Russell to get him and myself some supper. She
baked us some buckwheat cakes and fried eggs. Then Mr.
Russell went down into the bushes and brought up a big jug
of applejack. We took a drink of this and sat down to sup
per. We were just about through eating when I heard fir
ing up the road. I went to the door and knew from the
sound there was something wrong. I rushed out, mounted
my horse and gave the command to my men to mount. I
then formed a line across the road to receive the attack, and
during this time Major Young was getting his infantry
out of the blacksmith shop.

By the time he got them out my men had checked the
Rebels and driven them back. We had no more trouble that
right. The next morning we started for Winchester. Major
Young said to me: "Sergeant McCabe, you understand bet
ter how to handle this affair than I do; I wish you would
take charge from now on." I took charge and we captured
several more Rebels that day. By the time we got back to
Colonel Edwards' headquarters we had in all seventeen
Rebel prisoners and one of them was the notorious guer
rilla, Charles Sibert. We turned the prisoners over to Col
onel Edwards. When Colonel Edwards questioned Mr. Si
bert concerning their barbarous treatment of our prisoners,
and demanding an explanation under penalty of being shot,
Mr. Sibert said, "You can shoot me, if you want, but I will
not tell you anything."

After our report to Colonel Edwards, he sent an order to
Major Coe Durland to keep me off duty in the regiment,
and I was ordered to report to Major Young every day,
which I did. Almost every night Major Young and myself

221

15 — 17th R.

ONE OF SHERIDAN'S SCOUTS

would make raids through the country and bring in Rebel
prisoners.

On a certain occasion Colonel Edwards told General
Sheridan of the splendid work of Young and McCabe,
whereupon General Sheridan immediately sent for Young
and McCabe to report to him. Before we reported to Gen
eral Sheridan, Young came to my regiment and we talked
the matter over with Major Durland, for, at that time, I
had been recommended by Major Durland for a commission
as a first lieutenant. Major Young and I rode out to Kearns-
town and had a talk with General Sheridan. He suggested
that we should organize a full company of a hundred men
for scouting purposes. So we picked the men we wanted,
mounted them and furnished them with grey uniforms and
two revolvers each. We frequently went into the Rebel line,
learned to talk the Southern language and became familiar
with each regiment, brigade, division and corps of the Rebel
army, and after that went among them as full-fledged
Rebels.

We had fifty-eight to sixty men all the time, and every
day and night some of our men were within the Confederate
lines. Major Young was on General Sheridan's staff, and
was with the general most of the time while a member. I
had charge of the men, and any orders that were given to
the men were given by me.

After all of that hard work, there are but four of us liv
ing, McCabe, Rowand, Riley and Christman. I stood within
six feet of General Lee when he got off his horse and went
into the house where afterward he surrendered to General
Grant.

I trust this will give you the desired information and a
short sketch of how I became one of General Sheridan's
scouts. I have a letter written to me by General Sheridan,
in which* he recommends me to the President for the valu
able work done under him as a scout.

Further details as a scout you will find in my "Itinerary
of the Regiment," a copy of which is also herewith sub
mitted.

JOSEPH E. McCABE.

222

GEORGE D. MULLIHAN.
Sergeant. Company IX Webb City. Missouri.

THE CAPTURE OF MAJOR HARRY W. GIL-

MOR AND CAPTAIN GEORGE W.

STUMP OF GUERRILLA FAME.

BY SERGEANT G. D. MULLIHAN, COMPANY D.

I had two enlistments. My first enlistment was in Com
pany F, of the Twelfth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer
Cavalry, in November, 1861, at the age of 13 years. I serv
ed six months in that regiment, and participated in the bat
tles of Bristoe Station, Second Bull Run, Fairfax Court
House, South Mountain and Antietam.

My second enlistment was in Company D, of the Seven
teenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and I par
ticipated in all the battles in which the regiment was engag
ed, excepting Sailor's Creek, Five Forks and Appomatox. I
was wounded four times. First in the battle of the Wilder
ness, May 7, 1864, where I received a slight scratch in the
neck by a fragment of an exploded shell. The following
day, May 8th, I received a slight wound in my left arm. At
the battle of Yellow Tavern, May 12, 1864, I received an
other slight wound in my left arm, and at the battle of Tre-
vilian Station, I was wounded in the left cheek and was
sent to the hospital in Philadelphia for a short time.

During the battle of Chancellorsville I was one of the
orderlies to General George Sykes. On the evening of May
ist, during this battle, I was sent with a message to General
Alexander Schimmelpfenning, who commanded a brigade in
the Eleventh Corps, in which the general was directed to
drive off the field a Rebel battery in the immediate front of
that corps. I took part in this charge, but we failed to dis
lodge the battery.

During the Gettysburg campaign, Companies D and H, of
the regiment, under command of Captain William Thomp
son, were on detached service at Fifth Corps headquarters.
When the corps reached Gettysburg, I was sent with a mes
sage from General George Sykes to General Samuel W.

223

CAPTURE OF MAJ. GILMOR AND CAPT. STUMP

Crawford, commanding the Pennsylvania Reserves, with
detailed instructions to direct them over the field to the
point where they were to join his line of battle.

After the battle of Winchester, in the Shenandoah Val
ley, September 19, 1864, I was detailed as one of General
P. H. Sheridan's scouts, being ordered to report to Major
Young, chief of General Sheridan's scouts. The number of
scouts was about sixty men, who were in charge of Ser
geant Jos. E. McCabe, of Company A of our regiment.
While in the Shenandoah Valley, our chief duties were to
carry messages, scout the country for information and fight
the guerrillas. The guerrillas were classified as Mosby's
and McNeill's guerrillas. While they were separate and
distinct organizations, they would occasionally unite, and, in
that way, muster a force of considerable strength, making it
difficult to keep open the line of communication between
Martinsburg, Harper's Ferry and General Sheridan's head
quarters. I accompanied Major H. H. Young on a number
of scouting expeditions, and became quite well acquainted
with the country.

When General T. A. Torbert, with a provisional com
mand of the Cavalry Corps, was sent on the Qprdonsville
and Lynchburg Raid, the last week in December, 1864, I
was sent, by General Sheridan, with a secret message to
General Torbert. I overtook him at Chester Gap, and re
turned again to Winchester with a message from General
Torbert to General Sheridan. In the meantime General
George A. Custer had been sent up the valley, with in
structions to form a junction with General Torbert at
Lynchburg. General Custer was defeated in his purpose,
thus placing General Torbert's command in great danger of
being captured. To get a message to General Torbert, Gen
eral Sheridan called for two scouts to undertake the trip.
Abe Atkins, of the First Wisconsin Cavalry, and I volun
teered. Before we started we were called into the presence
of General Sheridan and were fully impressed with the im
portance of the messages and that it was a hazardous under
taking. The distance was about one hundred miles. We
made the trip in twenty- four hours. We passed through

224

CAPTURE OF MAJ. GILMOR AND CAPT. STUMP

three Rebel camps. We ate breakfast with the Johnny Rebs,
with Union dispatches in our pockets.

We found General Torbert near Warrenton and deliver
ed our messages. For this service I was paid $100.00 from
the Secret Service Fund.

On a certain Sunday in January, 1865, fifteen of the
scouts, accompanied by fifty men of the Fifth New York
Cavalry, made a dash into Edenburg, captured their pickets
and reserve post. There was a Union man living in Wood
stock, by the name of Koontz, who had been giving us in
formation. The Rebels detected him and wanted to hang
him. We determined to save him, if possible. And we did
save his life. But in the attempt we were delayed so long
in getting him that the Rebs got after us and recaptured all
of our men we had captured from them. We had to scatter
and only five of our scouts reported that night. But later, all
but Williams and White turned up.

The next Sunday we took another trip. This time we
went to Columbia Furnace, captured a reserve post, and
got back again into our lines without losing a man.

Some time in February, 1865, the Rebels made a dash
into Cumberland Gap and captured Generals George Crook
and B. F. Kelly. Shortly after that, Nick Carlisle of Vir
ginia and myself were out scouting in the vicinity of Moore-
field and learned that Major Harry Gilmor of Baltimore,
was there consolidating his command with McNeill's guer
rillas, and, that Captain George W. Stump, the famous guer
rilla was also in the vicinity. We ascertained that their pur
pose was to make a raid on New Creek Station, where our
army had a large supply of commissary and quartermas
ter's stores. We concluded that this would be a good chance
to get even with the Rebs for the capture of Generals Crook
and Kelly. The facts were reported to Major Young, chief
of scouts, which resulted in an expedition of fifteen scouts
and three hundred men of General Custer's brigade, all in
command of Major Young, being sent to Moorefield. We
started about noon, rode all night, and just before daylight
arrived at Moorefield. We left the Michigan boys hid in
the timber close by the town, because they were dressed

225

CAPTURE OF MAJ. GILMOR AND CAPT. STUMP

in blue, with instructions, in case they heard firing, to
come to our assistance. Before entering Moorefield we
divided our scouts. Nick Carlisle, taking eight men, went
to a Mr. William's house. Major Young with the other
seven men, went to a Mr. Randolph's house, where we were
told Major Gilmor was staying. Posting five men around the
house, Major Young and myself entered the house and
found Major Gilmor and his cousin in bed, with their arms
on the centre table. We at once demanded their surrender.
While they were dressing, I ran to the stable and saddled
their horses. By this time some few of the Rebs who were
in the town found out who we were and commenced firing
on us. In the meantime the firing had been heard by the
Michigan boys and they at once responded and drove off
the Rebels who had gathered by this time. I knew that
Major Gilmor rode a horse that had good speed. I suggest
ed to Major Young that Gilmor should take one of our
horses that was not so fast, or else he might get away. But
the major allowed him to mount his own horse. As soon
as Major Gilmor was in the saddle he made an attempt to
escape. I suspected this and was prepared for him. I
caught his horse by the bridle rein. He made the second
attempt. Again I caught his horse. I then told Major
Young, that, unless he would make Major Gilmor change
horses, I would shoot Gilmor's horse. Now that we had
him I was not going to let him escape. Major Young then
ordered Jack Reily to exchange horses with Gilmor, and then
asked me whether I was satisfied now. When I told him
yes, he said, "You may guard him then as you are so
afraid he will get away."

We were now about thirty miles from our lines, and at
once started upon our return trip. About noon, Reily relieved
me from guarding Gilmor and I rode up to the head of the
column and discussed our trip with Major Young. Seeing
a house a short distance in from the road I said to Major
Young, "I will ride over to the house and see whether I can
get something to eat." In conversation with the negro woman
who served me, I learned that I was in the house of Cap
tain Stump. Knowing that Captain Stump was one of Mc-

226

CAPTURE OF MAJ. GILMOR AND CAPT. STUMP

Neill's scouts, with the reputation of hanging and cutting
the throats of Union prisoners, I made further inquiry about
him, telling the colored woman that I had important dis
patches for the captain and must see him at once. She in
formed me that he was in church, (this being Sunday,)
and pointed out the church to me about half a mile down
the road. I immediately mounted my horse, called four
of our scouts, told them the good news, and started for the
church. Arriving at the church I made inquiry for Captain
Stump, saying that I had important dispatches for him and
that I must see him at once. I was informed that he was
not in church, but that I could find him at his brother's
house a short distance down the road. Fearing that they
might suspect us, I left two men at the church, with in
structions to arrest any one who would try to get away,
while with the other two men I went down the road to
where the captain's brother lived. The house was built
with a large basement and, as Nick Carlisle and myself
went in the lower part of the house, we heard a noise up
stairs. Running up as fast as we could, we discovered Cap
tain Stump in the act of mounting his horse, I ordered him
to surrender. While in the act of mounting his horse, we
fired several shots, and he fell forward to the ground. He
tried to regain his feet, and reached for his revolver. But
we were upon him before he could use it, and I pointed my
revolver in his face and forced him to his knees. We im
mediately disarmed him. His belt was supported with two
straps over his shoulders, and on that belt he carried three
pistols, and on his saddle he had a pistol and a seven shot
carbine. I asked him where he was hurt? He said in the
thigh, pointing to the place. I asked him whether he was
Captain Stump? He said "No, but I am Captain Stump's
brother." As we were going down the lane toward the
road, he made an attempt to snatch Nick Carlisle's revolver,
but Nick was on the lookout for just such an attempt, so
he did not succeed. We then made him ride between us,
and told him that if he attempted to get away, we would
make a sieve out of him. We were now joined by the men
we had left at the church.

227

CAPTURE OF MAJ. GILMOR AND CAPT. STUMP

After we caught up with the column, Major Young asked
me, "Whom have you there ?" I replied, "Captain Stump, but
he will not own up to it." Major Young then said to him,
"You might as well own up to it, for there are plenty of peo
ple around here who know you and can identify you." Cap
tain Stump then said. "I might as well own up to it: I am
Captain Stump." Major Young then said. "I suppose you
know that we will kill you. But we will not serve you as
you have served our men, cut your throat or hang you. We
will give you a chance for your life. We will give you
ten rods start on your own horse, with your spurs on. If
you get away, all right. But remember, my men are dead
shots." Captain Stump smiled, rode out, and we gave him
the word "Go." We allowed him about ten rods start, then
our pistols cracked, and he fell forward, dead. When the
news was told to Major Gilmor what had happened, he said.
"Everything considered, I can't blame you."

The following morning we turned over our prisoners to
General Sheridan, who complimented us warmly for the
success of the expedition.

228

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID.

Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick's Raid on Rich
mond, Va., February 27 to March 15, 1864.

BY W. H. SPERA, MAJOR SEVENTEENTH PENNSYLVANIA
CAVALRY.

On the 9th of December, 1863, President Lincoln issued a
proclamation granting amnesty to all persons who had di
rectly or by implication participated in the existing rebellion,
and a full restoration of all property except slaves, who
would take and subscribe to an oath and keep said oath in
violate. The proclamation included all citizens of States in
rebellion. It excepted officials of the Confederate govern
ment, all who left judicial stations under the Government
of the United States to aid the rebellion, officers of all
arms above the rank of colonel, and in the navy above the
rank of lieutenant, all who left seats in the United States
Congress to aid the rebellion, and all who resigned com
mands in the army or navy of the United States and after
wards aided the rebellion.

Major-general George G. Meade, commander of the
Army of the Potomac, said: "About the middle of Febru
ary, 1864, when in Washington, I was informed by the Hon
orable Secretary of War that his Excellency, the President,
was very anxious to have the amnesty proclamation dis
tributed within the enemy's lines, and that he had sent for
Brigadier General Kilpatrick to confer with him on the prac
ticability of accomplishing this object in connection with a
cavalry expedition."

HEADQUARTERS, THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, A. OF P.,

FEBRUARY 16, 1864.

Capt. E. B. Parsons, Acting Assistant Adjutant General Cavalry

Corps :

CAPTAIN : In compliance with orders from headquarters, Cavalry
Corps, I have the honor to report that on the morning of the I2th
inst., I proceeded to Washington City, and reported lfc> the Presi
dent of the United States as directed in an order dated Cavalry
Corps, February 12, 1864.

229

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

By direction of the President I afterward reported to the Hon
orable Secretary of War, and submitted at his request the following
plan, as in my opinion, the most practicable to accomplish the
double purpose of distributing the President's amnesty proclama
tion to the Rebel commands in our front and to the inhabitants of
Virginia in the various counties about Richmond, as also as far as
possible to destroy the enemy's communications and attempt the
release of our prisoners at Richmond.

Plan : — I propose, with a force of not less than 4,000 cavalry and
six guns, to cross the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, and proceed to Spott-
sylvania Court House, from that point to send a sufficient force of
cavalry to destroy the Virginia Central Railroad at or near Freder
ick's Hall, to prevent infantry reinforcements being sent from Lee's
army, scouts having been sent out to cut the telegraph wires on
crossing the Rapidan River; also to send a force to destroy the
Fredericksburg Railroad at or near Guiney's Station, the telegraph
line on this road having also previously been destroyed. These
parties and others that it may be found necessary to detach will
scatter the proclamation along the line of march. With the main
force I propose to move to Mt. Carmel church, and cross the North
Anna River near that point, destroy the railroad bridge three miles
below, and proceed to Hanover Junction unless the force stationed
there is found too large, in which case I will avoid that point. The
force sent to Guiney's Station will join me at Mt. Carmel church.
The .force sent to Frederick's Hall will proceed to Gpochland
Court House, destroy the canal, cross the James River, proceed down
the south bank, destroy the arsenal at Bellana and also the Dan
ville & Richmond and Petersburg and Richmond railroads, this
force to act as circumstances require. From Hanover Junction I
will proceed down the brook and move on Richmond and if pos
sible, in conjunction with troops sent direct from West Point, Va.,
make an attempt to release our prisoners. Should this be found to
be impossible, the command can return by way of Fredericksburg
or seek temporary safety at West Point. The command will need
but five days' rations and one for horses. No wagons will be
allowed.

From the information I have but lately received, and from my
thorough knowledge of the country, I am satisfied that this plan can
be safely and successfully carried out.

Respectfully submitted,

J. KlLPATRICK,

Brigadier General of Volunteers.

General Meade ordered General Pleasanton to reinforce
General Kilpatrick's command so as to have available 4,000
officers and men and a battery of artillery (6 guns), to move

230

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

with the utmost expedition possible, and on the shortest
route past the enemy's right flank to Richmond, and by this
rapid march endeavor to effect an entrance into that city and
liberate our prisoners. -A powerful expedition in Kilpat-
rick's favor was sent out in the direction of Charlottesville.
On the 26th of February Kilpatrick received the follow
ing order :

[Confidential.]

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

FEBRUARY 24, 1864.

Brigadier General J. Kilpatrick, Commanding Third Cavalry Di
vision :

GENERAL : Your command, increased to 4,000 men with a battery,
will be placed in readiness to move on a raid to Richmond for the
purpose of liberating our prisoners at that place.

You will start on Sunday evening, the 28th inst., and will pro
ceed by such r,outes and make such dispositions as from time to
time you may find necessary to accomplish the object of the expe
dition. You will not be confined to any specific instruction and
reference to such matters. Colonel Ulrich Dahlgren is authorized
to accompany y.ou, and will render valuable assistance from his
knowledge of the country and his well known gallantry, intelli
gence and energy. Important diversions will be made in your
favor, particulars of which you have been already advised. That
these may be more fully and completely carried out you may direct
Brigadier General Custer to report in person to these headquarters
until further orders. With my best wishes for a perfect success
and the assurance that every effort will be exerted by the service
here to insure it, I remain very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

A. PLEASANTON,
Major-general Commanding.

Kilpatrick's command consisted of 156 commissioned offi
cers, 3,439 enlisted men and Captain Ramson's regular bat
tery of light artillery, six pieces, an aggregate of 3,595.

HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

FEBRUARY 28, 1864.
Commanding Officer 2nd Corps :

Please send the following dispatch to General Kilpatrick. The
signal telegraph is just reported out of order. Let me know when
Kilpatrick receives it.

231

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

"FEBRUARY 28, 1864, 6:15 p. m.
Brigadier General Kilpatrick :

The Major-general (Meade), commanding, directs that you
move tonight.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Major-general Chief of Staff."

The Sixth Corps, Major-general Sedgwick, was moved to
Madison Court House, and General Custer, with a cavalry
command to Charlottesville.

HEADQUARTERS, CAVALRY EXPEDITION,

FEBRUARY 29, 1864, i A. M., via Second Corps Headquarters.
Lieut. Col. C. Ross Smith, Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps :

COLONEL : My advance captured the picket and reserve at Ely's
Ford, consisting of a captain, lieutenant and fifteen men. It was a
complete surprise. No alarm has been given. The enemy does
not anticipate our movement. My command is crossing in good
order. Colonel Dahlgren with the advance has reached Chancellors-
ville.

Very respectfully,

J. KILPATRICK.
A. PLEASANTON,
Major-general.

THE RAID.

On the afternoon of Saturday, the 2/th of February, 1864,
while encamped near Culpepper Court House, Virginia, the
following order was received at headquarters of the Seven
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry:

HEADQUARTERS, 20 BRIGADE, IST Div., CAVALRY CORPS, A. OF P.,
Camp near Culpepper C. H., Va.

FEBRUARY 27, 1864.
Commanding Officer, I7th Pa. Cav. :

You will detail from your command two hundred (200) of the
best men and horses, light marching order, with a full complement
of officers to report to these headquarters at 5 p. m.
By command of Colonel Devin, Commanding Brigade.

J. H. MAHNKEN,
Ass't. Adj't Gen.

Being the ranking officer of the detail I was placed in com
mand of the detachment and ordered to report to General
Devin, commanding Second Brigade, First Division, Cavalry

232

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

Corps, Army of the Potomac. On reporting to General
Devin, he said he knew not what the detail was for, that I
should report to Major Hall, Sixth New York Cavalry, who
was in command of the detachment of the brigade. On re
porting to Major Hall he had orders to report to First Divi
sion headquarters. Here they knew no more about what the
detail was for, only that Major Hall should report with the
troops of the First Cavalry Division to Brigadier General
Judson Kilpatrick, commanding Third Division, with head
quarters near Stevensburg, Va. This had the appearance of
a night ride. Arriving at Kilpatrick's headquarters, Major
Hall was ordered to encamp his command for the night. This
rather dispelled the idea of a night ride, and had the appear
ance of possibly a more extended trip than we had imagined.
"Go into camp and make yourselves comfortable," were the
orders.

On Sunday, the 28th, orders were received that in case
any trooper or horse in the command would not be consid
ered serviceable for a long march, they should be returned
to their regiments, but the command must be kept at the
maximum. I sent two to the regiment and received two.

During the day detachments of cavalry arrived from the
First and Second Cavalry Divisions.

Five days' rations of hard bread, sugar, coffee and salt
were issued, but no meat, the command evidently being sup
posed to furnish meat for itself from some source other than
Uncle Sam's commissary. This looked extremely raidish.
Commanding officers of detachments were ordered to see
that all horses were well shod, inspection of arms and ammu
nition, everything in the best condition possible. Everybody
was in excellent humor, for nothing so delights the heart of
a cavalryman as to go on a scout or a raid. It is easier to
get a trooper or even a hundred for a raid than to get one to
groom an extra horse.

Major Hall reported with his command to Brigadier Gen
eral Davies at 6 p. m.

There was great speculation among officers and men as to
where the expedition was going, as it would certainly be
more than an ordinary raid.

233

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

About 10 o'clock on Sunday evening of the 28th of Feb
ruary, 1864, nearly four thousand troopers, led by that dash
ing and intrepid cavalry leader, General Judson Kilpatrick,
rode out of the Union lines, their horses' hoofs ringing on
the icy ground, their equipments clinking in the frosty air.

Before midnight the Rapidan was crossed at Ely's Ford,
a dash by Colonel Dahlgren, led by Scout Hogan with forty
men, had the advance, capturing the pickets on the north
side of the river, four men and horses, without firing a shot.
The reserve on the south side of the river was captured, con
sisting of one captain, one lieutenant and eleven men. The
reserve was located on the left of the road within a short
distance of the ford, and now, "On to Richmond!"

Kilpatrick's plan was an audacious one, such an adventur
ous project as would have delighted a Stuart or a Mosby.

The first night of our march was beautiful. Myriads of
stars twinkled in the heavens, looking down on us as if in
wonder why we should violate the laws of God and wander
at night instead of seeking repose and sleep. The moon
threw its silvery light upon Rapidan waters when we forded
it. It seemed as if the Almighty Judge was looking silently
upon our doings.

Before daylight on the morning of the 29th (Monday) we
passed over the Chancellorsville battlefield, taking the road
leading southwest. The enemy's campfires to the north
east, in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, were plainly visible.
Marching through a low, heavily wooded country, we ar
rived at Spottsylvania Court House about 8 a. m.

The column halted momentarily. Considerable merriment
was created by the men endeavoring to press a flock of geese
into the service; said geese, not having the proper fear of
Yankee troopers before their eyes, were making a morning
meal by the roadside. An aged lady, armed with woman's
offensive and -defensive weapon, a broom, was putting forth
her best endeavors to keep her dear ganders, geese and gos
lings from falling into the hands of their enemies, the de
tested Yankees. With the men it was "against geese right
cut" or "against geese left cut," and most effectively, did it
curl up the neck of goose or gander. Quite a few were de-

234

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

capitated, their heads tumbling into the dust. During all this
decapitation the old lady was by no means a silent spectator,
her broom doing yeoman service in her behalf, and woe be
tide the unlucky trooper upon whose back it descended. Her
mainstay, however, was scolding, and in this she was an ex
pert. Captain L. B. Kurtz, who was riding with me at the
head of the column, said to the now thoroughly excited fe
male, "Madam, these Yankees are h — 1 on poultry." She
snappingly replied, "You'ns all ought to be ashamed of
you'ns selves, to come heyer and destroy we'uns things.
You'ns are nothing but nasty dirty Yankees after all, so
you'ns all are !" This created a laugh among the men, and
the old lady went into her yard slamming the gate and not in
a very amiable frame of mind.

After crossing the Po River during the forenoon the com
mand halted to feed, but scarcely more time was taken than
to cook a cup of coffee. By this time the men were well sup
plied with meat, rations, etc., but not from Uncle Sam's
commissary. A chicken, a goose, a ham or a side dangled
from almost every saddle, but as Teddy Campbell, of Com
pany I (Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry), had it, "This,"
said he, "is one of old Abe's jokes ; plenty of rations, but no
time to eat them." Such was in reality the case, no time be
ing given to cook rations, although we had a bountiful sup
ply. But at the outset it was plainly evident that this was to
be a warlike tour, where all the fun, chickens, turkeys, geese,
hogs, ham, sweet potatoes, corn, hay, horses, mules, negroes,
gray backs, whether made of flesh or paper, that could be
had, were had. The command carried short rations for horse
and man, the general being determined that for once the
celebrated order, "Subsist on the enemy's country," should
be faithfully carried out.

The march was resumed, marching through Mt. Pleasant,
New Market and Chilesburg to the North Anna, crossing at
Anderson's Ferry and arriving at Beaver Dam Station, on
the Virginia Central Railroad, at about 5 o'clock p. m.

By this time it was dark; rain and snow began falling.
Mere the freight house (125 feet long), telegraph office, pas
senger depot, engine house, water tank and outbuildings were

235

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

destroyed by fire, the switches, turnouts and tracks torn up
and burned, the telegraph wires cut and poles taken down
for quite a distance. Jeff Davis had been sending to this
station hourly during the day for information relative to the
Yankees. General Lee had passed west on a train about two
hours before our arrival.

The darkness of the night was illumined by the burning
of twenty wooden buildings at the station and the fire was
doubtless seen for many miles. All were set on fire at al
most the same moment, forming a sheet of flame rising high
above the surrounding woods. The dark forms of our sol
diers jumping and dancing around it seemed from a dis
tance like demons on some hellish sport. A train loaded with
troops from Richmond, seeing the conflagration, halted with
in two miles of the station and disembarked some of the
command. A force of our men were sent to meet them, cap
turing two officers and thirty men from the enemy. He sud
denly left. We could hear the whistle of the locomotive as
it rapidly retreated.

From Beaver Dam we marched south in the direction of
Negrofoot, halting for about an hour to feed. Here Major
Hall's command left the main column, and was ordered to
proceed to Taylorsville and destroy the bridge of the Rich
mond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad, over the South
Anna River, also a carriage bridge.

After leaving the main or Kilpatrick's column we marched
in a southeasterly direction. And now it stormed in earnest,
sharp wind, snow and sleet forcing men to close their eyes.
Trees on the roadside could not be distinguished. Such com
plete darkness I never saw. Men depended entirely upon
the instinct of their horses, and the whole command on a
ten-year-old boy.

The column was continually annoyed by the enemy. They
seemed to be hanging on our flanks, firing into the column.
The roads were barricaded at a number of places by fences
and felled trees. The enemy would give us a volley from
the barricade, then disappear in the darkness. A flash, a
sharp report, the whiz of a bullet told us we were near a
barricade. The flashes of light from the enemy's firing as

236

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

we marched through the darkness seemed like fireflies of a
summer's night.

My command was in advance, and necessarily proceeded
with a very great deal of caution. We came upon a strong
barricade from behind which we received a volley. Re
turning the fire our force found its way past the barricade,
capturing three of the enemy. Groping our way through
the darkness several miles farther on we were fired into
by infantry. The road had been strongly barricaded by
felled trees. A brisk fire was exchanged for a short time,
when a squad of our men dismounted and passed the barri
cade to the left of the road. Lieutenant Martin Reinhold,
with twelve men of the Seventeenfh Pennsylvania, passing
to the right succeeded in driving the enemy, capturing two
lieutenants and ten men. Our loss was one man killed, of
the First Indiana Cavalry, and one wounded, of the Seven
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry.

About three miles farther on a team of six mules, wagon
and four men were captured. They were on a foraging ex
pedition for the artillery reserve of the enemy, at Fred
erick's Hall Junction. One of them was sitting by a camp
fire. He seemed greatly surprised on being informed that
he was a prisoner in the hands of the Yankees. He waken
ed his comrades and informed them of their good fortune.

On arriving near the bridge over the South Anna at
about 4 a. m., it still being dark, we proceeded cautiously.
Lieutenant Martin Reinhold, Sergeant John Caulwell, Com
pany C, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry were in command
of the extreme advance. Sergeant Caulwell reported to Lieu
tenant Reinhold that there was a camp in his immediate
front. This was just before daybreak. The lieutenant
riding forward saw some one approaching him, and
ordered him to halt. The order was instantly obeyed
by the uj°rinme" who was approaching. He inquired if this
was not Hampton's Legion. Caulwell replied that it was
saying, "Come on, you're all right." The "Johnnie" seemed
satisfied, remarking that he had a brother in the Legion,
but when Lieutenant Reinhold informed him that he was a
prisoner of war he replied, "I should like to know whose

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prisoner 1. am?" The lieutenant replied, "You are in the
hands of the Yankees." "Well/' said he, "this beats me
how in all nation you got in here. We have two brigades
of infantry, (2,000 men), six pieces of artillery and we are
hourly expecting Wade Hampton's Legion of Cavalry." The
prisoner was a sergeant in the famous Washington Ar
tillery, of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

March i. The head of our column halted within twenty
paces of the camp of a battery of artillery. I at once in
formed Major Hall of the condition of affairs at the front.
We were in rather uncomfortable quarters and did not
fancy our surroundings. Something of some sort had to
be done and that very suddenly. To reach the bridges was
out of the question. During the night a courier had arrived
from General Kilpatrick, stating that his column would
arrive here before daylight and would cross the river at
this point instead of at Ground Squirrel Bridge as he had
intended. Upon this information Major Hall concluded to
hold fast and await Kilpatrick's appearance. Daylight
however, showed the utter inexpediency of remaining here,
as the enemy were far stronger, numerically, than we were,
and should Wade Hampton put in an appearance a trip to
Richmond for us, not under Kilpatrick's command, was a
probability, if not an assured fact.

The enemy's guns were by this time in position. They
gave us a salute. The "long roll" of the infantry greeted
our ears, showing that they were "up and going." We
held our position for a short time and concluded that if
Kilpatrick desired to come this way he could do so. We
could scarcely be expected to remain any longer. The
"Johnnies" would possibly inform Kilpatrick of our having
been here. Our column crossed the South Anna about
two miles farther west. The enemy did not follow us for
which they had our thanks. Possibly from our sudden ap
pearance and disappearance they regarded us as a sort of
ignis fatuus. At least they gave us no trouble.

During the night a one horse chaise, horse and harness had
been pressed into service for the accommodation of the
wounded man, Dr. Gardner, surgeon of the Seventeenth

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Pennsylvania Cavalry, volunteering to act as driver. Pitch
balls and torpedoes, which had been carried on a mule, were
transferred to the chaise. During the morning the doctor
asked of Major Hall that the torpedoes he replaced on
the mule's back instead of being carried in the chaise, as it
was extremely unsafe to carry them in the vehicle; jolting
as they did the torpedoes might explode and tear off the
wounded man's legs. Of course the doctor did not want
his patient to sustain any further injuries. It was not for
his own safety that he wanted them removed.

During the march this morning the roads and woods
were full of "Johnnies" g°mg home on furlough. We gath
ered in quite a number, but not knowing what to do with
them sent them on their way rejoicing, some taking their
capture very good-naturedly while others became angry. One
of the most bitter fellows we met on this raid, when cap
tured, indulged in a tirade of braggadocio. He talked of
"Our best men in the field," "the South could never be
whipped," 'it was a shame that Southern gentlemen were
compelled to fight niggers," and a lot of such twaddle made
use of by braggarts, leading every one who heard him to
suppose that he was a perfect pink of perfection, a pure
F. F. V. This man was caught bush whacking, shot a man
after he had surrendered, told half a dozen lies in as
many minutes, and admitted that he never owned a negro
in his life.

About 9 a. m., the command crossed over a trestle bridge
spanning a swamp; after the column had crossed Major
Hall and myself fired the bridge by igniting it and rolling
pitch balls over the floor; the timbers burned splendidly.
Not many minutes elapsed before we heard firing 'at the
head of the column. Not in the least expecting an enemy
at this place, the command was in column of fours, with a
swamp on either side, no room to form line of battle, and
the bridge burning in our rear; a pretty kettle of fish!
Hastening to the head of the column we found that the
advance had attacked and captured a train of cars loaded
with wood, on the Virginia Central Railroad near Atlee

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Station, and were busily at work destroying the engine and
burning the cars.

Here we heard firing in the direction of Richmond which
gave us assurance that Kilpatrick had made the attack, re
lieving all anxiety as to his whereabouts. His dispatch dur
ing the night that he would join our column, and not hear
ing anything from him, led us to fear that all was not well
with him. Many were our surmises as to his whereabouts,
but the sounds of his guns before Richmond removed all
doubt and anxiety. We afterwards learned that Kilpatrick
was correspondingly anxious about our command.

We struck the Brook Pike at Yellow Tavern (or Turn
er's), about seven miles northwest of Richmond. Here we
met the pickets of the Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, of
Kilpatrick's column. "Gallop march" was the command and
we soon met the main column inside the first line of Con
federate works encircling Richmond.

The arrival of the Yankee troops was entirely unexpect
ed, the indignation of quite a number of very respectable
looking young women, who came to the roadside, making use
of taunting expletives, such as no real lady would be guilty
of, indicating this, but judging from their surroundings I
suppose they were considered ladies at home. One of these
women was almost frantic with indignation. "I never
thought," said she, raising her hands in holy horror, "that
you all should be mean enough for this." No one offered
any disrespectful remarks in reply. The men were highly
amused. This course of conduct seemed to exasperate her.
To have Yankee soldiers come there was bad enough, but to
be laughed at by them seemed to her to be the height of
intolerableness.

Last night after Hall's command left the main column
Kilpatrick marched to within nine miles of Ground Squirrel
Bridge and encamped. Kilpatrick's guide, instead of going
to Ground Squirrel Bridge, mistook the road and went in
the direction of Ashland. There he came upon infantry
pickets of the enemy. This explaned why he did not form
junction with our column. From prisoners he learned that
a force of 2,000 infantry and six pieces of artillery was

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KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

stationed near the railroad above Ashland. This was the
force Hall's column encountered, and deceived the enemy
as to the movements of the main column. Kilpatrick struck
across the country to the South Anna and crossed at a
point three miles west of Ashland. At daylight Tuesday
morning he moved on to Richmond. Citizens knew nothing
of a force in the city. Negroes from Richmond that morn
ing said that no attack was expected upon the city. Only
a small force occupied the works on the Brook Pike. Mov
ing forward he surprised and captured the pickets and a
small force of infantry in the rifle pits beyond. The enemy,
becoming conscious of our presence, sent forth troops to
oppose Kilpatrick's progress, but they were easily driven
back until one mile from the city. Here a force of infantry
and artillery effectually checked our advance.

A copy of the Richmond Examiner and Dispatch of this
(Tuesday) morning, fresh from the press, was found an
nouncing that about a brigade of Yankee cavalry had cross
ed the Rapidan River. What must have been their astonish
ment an hour later to hear Kilpatrick's guns in front of
Richmond, moving towards the city! We could see people
in the streets running to and fro, carrying bundles and seem
ing greatly excited.

It was now i p. m. The entire force was ordered up.
Kilpatrick thoroughly examined the position of the enemy
and determined to attack, believing that the enemy were for
the greater part citizen soldiers. Every preparation was
made for the attack, saddle girths tightened, pistols and car
bines examined. Brigadier General Davies dismounted the
Fifth New York Cavalry, sending them forward as skir
mishers. Five hundred men under Major Patton went for
ward dismounted to support the skirmish line, to carry an
earthwork known as "Battery 9" and a barricade that was
placed in the road. The enemy was driven from every
position and followed until Kilpatrick found a position for
his artillery which was brought up and opened upon the
enemy now occupying a position just outside the city.
Re-enforcements were brought up and our line extended,
our skirmish line reaching to the right as far as the plank

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road. Kilpatrick was about to advance the whole line, when
we could see that the enemy was being strongly re-enforced
by infantry and artillery.

Not having heard anything from Dahlgren, who was to
have entered the city from the south and had evidently
failed in that attempt, it would be a failure to enter the
city from this side. Kilpatrick reluctantly withdrew his
command across the Chickahominy at Meadow Bridge
at dusk after destroying the bridges of the Virginia
Central Railroad. Kilpatrick with his usual audacity went
into camp about six miles from Richmond and two miles
from the Chickahominy.

In the various attacks upon the city, which commenced
at 12 m. and continued until dark our loss was about sixty
killed and wounded. We took two hundred prisoners. The
fighting was very stubborn on both sides.

As we were crossing Meadow Bridge I met an old colored
man, to whom I said, "Sam, did you expect to meet so many
Yankees here today?" The old fellow rolled the whites of
his eyes, and throwing up his hands, exclaimed. "Great good
Lord, bless you chile, no ! You'uns all come in here so like
de debbil dat you done scare de mars secesh clar out of
his wits, shu ! I clar to God you does. But I'se gwine along
wid you all. I'se gwine to be a free man, bress de Lord,
yah, yah, shu !" And the old darkey jumped for joy.

After going into camp it grew dark, and a more dreary,
dismal night it would be difficult to imagine, with rain, snow,
sleet, mud, cold and wet to the skin, rain and snow falling
rapidly, the roads a puddle of mud, and the night as dark
as pitch. It was a wild Walpurgis night, such a night as
Goethe paints in his Faust, while demons held revel in the
forests of the Brocken. We were without shelter, not a tent
being in the command. Everything was wet, so that it was
almost impossible to build a fire, which meant no coffee, but
thanks, we were not long to enjoy our magnificent discomfi
ture, for our friends, the enemy, realizing our position, came
manfully to the rescue by attacking us.

At about 10 p. m. Kilpatrick determined to make another
attempt to enter the city. Lieutenant-colonel Preston, of

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KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

the First Vermont Cavalry, and Major Taylor, of the First
Maine Cavalry, were selected to lead two separate detach
ments of 500 men in the road from Mechanicsville to Rich
mond, while with the artillery and the remaining portion of
the command Kilpatrick would hold the bridge over the
Chickahominy and cover their retreat with the prisoners, if
successful. Those detachments had just begun to move off
when Colonel Sawyer, commanding the Second Brigade,
Third Division, reported that the pickets had been driven
in on the road from the direction of Hanover Court House.
A few moments after the report, the enemy was advancing
in force and rapidly driving in our line. A strong line of
skirmishers charged the enemy, driving them back. Kil
patrick was still intent upon sending the dismounted expedi
tion into Richmond to release our prisoners. Heavy mus
ketry and carbine firing could now be heard and a moment
later the enemy opened with a battery of artillery. The
Richmond battery was now recalled, as the attack was be
coming serious. The enemy charged, driving back the Sev
enth Michigan. Our position was held, but the night being
so extremely dark, Kilpatrick decided to fall back. Some
one gave the command, "Stand to horse!" soon followed by
"Mount!" "Form ranks!" "By fours, march!" yelled every
body, when Kilpatrick's voice was heard above all others,
"Forward!" but just which way was the query, as it was
utterly impossible to distinguish roads, points of compass or
anything else. Splash ! splash ! through the thin mud, fol
lowing the splash ahead of us, whither we knew not, but
following some one who evidently knew the road.

After marching several miles, some one from the head of
the column came riding to the rear. When near me he said,
"Halt this command right here and wait until I return."
"Who are you?" I inquired. "I'm General Kilpatrick/'
Shortly afterward he returned, saying, "Where are those
Pennsylvanians ?" I replied, "Here, general." "Follow
me," he said, and the head of the column turned into a road
to the right opposite to that on which we had halted. How
the general could have seen the road was a mystery to me.
We went at a rapid gait through the mud. Daylight brought

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KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

us to near Old Church Tavern. A halt was made at the inter
section of the Mechanicsville and Old Church Road and the
road from Hanover to Bottom Bridge.

At daylight the enemy attacked our pickets, but were
easily repulsed. The command here had the first opportun
ity since leaving Stevensburg to cook coffee and rations. By
this time all poultry had vanished. The men found a stack
of corn blades at a barn nearby. Of course it was confis
cated by the troopers for their horses. As the bottom
bundles were removed a pit of sweet potatoes was discover
ed, and in an incredibly short space of time the men were
busy roasting sweet potatoes, the supply being quite liberal,
enough to furnish a meal to each trooper.

We learn this morning that our loss in last night's attack
was two officers and fifty men, and one hundred horses. The
enemy were driven in the direction of the road to Hanover
Court House.

After a hearty breakfast and horses well fed, at 8 a. m.
we marched about a mile northeast of Old Church, twelve
miles from Hanover Court House. On the march my com
mand had the rear, the enemy frequently attacking. Kil-
patrick halted the column, taking up a good position and
prepared for battle. The enemy made his appearance, when
Kilpatrick ordered the First Maine to charge, driving the
enemy at all points and taking a number of prisoners. They
belonged to Hampton's Division. This was the force that
attacked us last night with a force of mounted infantry,
cavalry and four pieces of artillery. This was the last we
saw of the enemy. They gave us no further trouble.

We remained here until I p. m., hoping that Colonel Dahl-
gren might come in. The column marched to Putney's
Ferry, on the Pamunkey, halting for a short time, thence to
White House Landing, on the same river, evidently with the
intention of crossing, but were unsuccessful in finding boats,
as they had been destroyed by the enemy. Here we found a
large quantity of corn, which was very desirable. There was
enough to feed the horses of the command, about 3,000, be
sides taking two feeds on the saddle and several thousand
bushels remaining. From White House Landing we march-

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KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

ed to Tuntstall's Station, on the Richmond and York River
Railroad, about twenty miles from Richmond. On arriving
the command was ordered into camp and to build fires. No
sooner were fires well ablaze than we were ordered to
"Saddle up — move camp." This was kept up until the
whole country was lit up with camp fires, doubtless to create
the impression that a large force was encamped here. It
was rumored that a large force of the enemy was following
us and a night attack expected.

Here Captain Mitchell, of the Harris light cavalry, (Sec
ond New York, of which General Kilpatrick had been colo
nel,) came in with about 250 men, who were with the Dahl-
gren column. This was the first we learned of the failure of
that part of the expedition which prevented our going in
to Richmond. From all we were able to learn it appears that
Colonel Dahlgren had with him a negro guide, who pro
fessed to be acquainted with the roads leading to Richmond.
Instead of going to Richmond the negro led him off toward
Goochland, west of Richmond, and Tuesday found him
miles in the opposite direction from that which he wished
to take. The negro was promptly hanged for his treachery.
The command that reached us knew but little of what had
become of the others as they were divided into different
columns for the accomplishment of different purposes. Both
men and horses showed the effects of hard service.

Our march thus far was an ovation as far as the colored
people were concerned, if it was not with the whites. The
negroes were delighted to see Yankee troops, for to them it
meant freedom ! Crowding close to the column, as if for
protection, they asked permission to accompany us, which a
large number of them did. Passing a plantation, the build
ings of which were situated about one hundred yards from
the road, we saw standing on the porch of the mansion
"Marster and Missis;" around them in the yard, their
slaves, forty or fifty in number. Of a sudden from out the
crowd sprang a young woman, shouting, "Glory ! Glory,
hallelujah! I'se gwine wid you all! I'se gwine to be free!"
waving her sunbonnet, and beckoning to the others. Al
most instantly followed the whole crowd, madly rushing

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KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

down the hill. "Marster" threatening, and gesticulating wild
ly, called "Come back heyer, you boys and gals, come back
heyer, right now, or I'll have you flayed alive." All the con
solation he received was, "Good-bye, ole Mars, good-bye,
Missis !" and soon they were mingled in the crowd of our
dusky followers to be slaves no more forever. The bond
between master and slave had been broken.

At another plantation, the slaves had congregated at the
yard gate, as the column approached. Seeing the large
number of their own people, they made a rush for the
crowd, whilst a tall woman among them, waving her sunbon-
net exclaimed, "Good-bye, Missis ! Good-bye, Marster ! We's
free; no more lashes." Passing a spring near the roadside
she waved her bonnet shouting, "Good-bye, ole Spring
Hill, I'se free, good-bye!" and thus it was all through the
march. Men were carrying bundles on their backs, women
carrying huge bundles on their heads ; and thus they march
ed and trudged, often weary and footsore, keeping up with
the column, from the gray-haired old negro bent over with
old age, to the little pickanniny scarcely large enough to
toddle, all anxious to be free, to escape the tyranny of the
master and the whip of the overseer.

Thursday morning, March 3d. Broke camp early this
morning. We were not disturbed during the night. Our
contraband contingent was up and astir betimes. Possibly
many of them were up all night for aught I know, as to
a majority of them it was their first night of freedom.

The troops slept soundly, the first opportunity they had
for rest since leaving Stevensburg.

During the forenoon we met the Eleventh Pennsylvania
Cavalry, Colonel Spear. The meeting was gratifying, to
both parties. Colonel Spear had information of a column
of cavalry approaching him, but could not ascertain who
they were, whether friend or foe, which caused him con
siderable anxiety. A lieutenant of the Eleventh informed
me that he had walked along with out column over two
miles during the evening or night endeavoring to gain some
information as to who we were, but not a word was spoken
by our men, each one being tired and sleepy.

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KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

Arriving at New Kent Court House, we met a brigade
of colored troops. The first we had ever seen. They were
drawn up in line to receive us, and certainly no brigade of
troops that I ever saw presented a better appearance or
made a better impression upon those who for the first time
saw colored troops. A mountain of prejudice was removed
in an instant. Heretofore the cavalry of the Army of the
Potomac entertained a marked dislike for colored troops.
As the cavalry came in on both sides of the colored bri
gade the mutual cheers were deafening.

After a short rest the command moved to Burnt Ordinary
or Ordinary No. 6, where we encamped for the night. Dur
ing the day's march, General Kilpatrick with a small escort
left the main column to scout for several hours. He was
attacked by bushwhackers, losing several men killed and
taken prisoners. A lieutenant was taken prisoner.

The weather during the day had been cold, raw and un
pleasant.

During the march thus far, our route has been through
the counties of Spottsylvania, Caroline, Hanover, Henrico,
New Kent, James City and York. These counties embrace
nearly all of the most aristocratic portion of the State, peo
pled before the war mainly by families who boasted of their
ancestry, the number of negroes, and their broad acres.

In riding through these counties the stranger is painfully
impressed with the Sabbath-like stillness that everywhere
prevails. Deserted buildings, ruined churches, with win
dows out and doors ajar, abandoned fields and workshops,
neglected plantations and the ragged, dejected and uncouth
appearance of a few people who are to be seen at home, the
almost entire absence of men and boys, everything in
dicating a condition of affairs which nothing but civil war
could produce.

Our troops behaved well during the march. I do no;
know of an instance where private property was destroyed,
excepting such articles as were used for food.

Confederate money was everywhere plenty. For a $10
greenback I was offered a pile of Confederate bills large
enough to fill an ordinary saddle bag. As to the question

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KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

of food, eggs, bacon, hominy and bread, every family seem
ed to have a little. Halting at a house we inquired for
corn. We were given the reply that they did not have a
grain of corn. A little searching, however, revealed about
fifty bushels in a loft. The owner also denied having bacon,
but the "boy's" somehow managed to find quite a little pile
of "hog meat" concealed in an out of the way place. At
nearly every occupied house were found chickens, turkeys,
geese and ducks, and not infrequently a grunter was found
roaming in the fields. In the timber would be found the
regular "razor-back" (wild hog) of the "poor white trash,"
These hogs we never could get unless by shooting them.
They would outrun a trooper and outrun a horse. They
were always tested to see if they were fit to eat — punched a
hole through the points of the ears — put a stick through
and then lifted him up. If the snout tipped the body down
he wasn't fit to eat; but if the body tipped the head down,
why, it was edible. By actual measurement from the end
of the snout between the ears was just a little longer than
from that point to the root of the tail. This is a real typical
Virginia hog. It was considerable work to catch those hogs,
but still we got them. A meal of ham and eggs could be
had at almost any house for $25 to $50 Confederate money,
provided we furnished the sugar, coffee and salt.

It was quite evident that there was no superabundance of
food, but somehow a supply of applejack could always be
obtained at $125.00 per gallon. Confederate scrip was so
plenty, that $200.00 per gallon would have been paid for it
just as willingly.

The people said it mattered but little to them which troops
visited them as the Rebels took all they could find, and the
Yankees treated them no better. The nearer Richmond,
the greater the animosity.

Friday, March 4. Enjoyed a good night's rest. "Boots
and Saddles" at 7 a. m. Our contraband column has grown
enormously, must be several! thousand in number, all
sorts, shapes and sizes, grave and gay, fat and
lean, black, yellow and white, no two alike, even in color.
What a motley crowd ! Must be seen to be appreciated, all

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KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

free ! That is the great boon. Freedom ! The great end
toward which they are striving.

It was really amusing to see them start on the march.
When "reveille" sounded for the troops many of the negroes
thought it was the signal to march. Such a commotion
among them. Bundles packed, everything in readiness.
Some did start out, but were halted at the picket line for
fear of being captured by bushwhackers. When "Boots and
Saddles" was sounded the march began in earnest, and the
throng moved,, but no further than the picket line. The
troops moved about an hour later, when the whole colored
contingent skedaddled, except a few stragglers. The rear
guard had no trouble driving in stragglers ; the advance
guard had more trouble to keep them back, as some were
quite fleet of foot, imagining that they were not free until
they reached Yorktown.

Our command arrived at Williamsburg at 10 a. m., and
saw William and Mary College, one of the oldest institu
tions of learning in the United States. Leaving here we
passed Fort Magruder, the scene of Little Mac's campaign.
This is quite a formidable-appearing place. The country
between here and Williamsburg is well fortified with earth
works. The Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry is encamped
near the fort.

We arrived at Yorktown at 4 p. m. As we approached
the heights west of the town the scene was indescribably
grand. The York River is seen leading into the Chesapeake
Bay. The scene is new, novel to many of our men. The
river is rilled with our boats and transports. A fleet of
oyster boats is working its way up the river. A short dis
tance above Yorktown are two of Uncle Sam's gunboats;
moored out in the middle of the stream is an ironclad.
Yorktown is a natural fort ; heavy guns seem to surround it
on three sides. Outside of the works are camps of colored
troops.

On descending the hill before arriving at Yorktown, we
arrived at "Slabtown", — Ben Butler's Emancipation City,
quite a town, with streets regularly laid out, cabins 12 by 18
feet, one story high, built of pine slabs, roof of same ma-

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KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

terial, cabins neatly whitewashed, both inside and out, neat
fences around house and yard, streets swept and kept scru
pulously clean, everything in the best condition possible.

It was a novel sight to see so many negroes together, be
tween five and six thousand of all shades from the darkest
Ethiop to the fairest octoroon ; children in great numbers.
These people have nearly all been slaves, and those that
were born free say they were no better off than slaves,
scarcely as well, until our forces gained possession of this
section of country. In this village they have their own
stores, postoffice, schools and church. The men are nearly
all employed. Some fish, some drag for oysters, some work
at the different trades, a large number of them are employed
by the government.

As soon as the head of our column was in sight the in
habitants came out en masse. The contrabands of our
column made a break for the village. Such a shouting,
hallooing, "glory, glory, hallelujah," singing, hugging, kiss
ing and handshaking I have never seen. Bundles
quickly changed hands or heads, burdens lightened, every
one seemed pleased. Old men who had long been slaves
wept for joy. The scene beggars description and was truly
affecting. Many a trooper, though accustomed to the bar
barities and cruelties of war, as he looked upon this scene,
drew his coat sleeve over his eyes, as something welled in
his throat, spurred his horse and rode away with thoughts
of "When Johnnie comes marching home."

During the march to-day I heard the command from
the rear, "Give way to the right" as was the custom to make
room for officers desiring to pass from the rear to the head
of the column. The road being narrow the troopers
crowded to the right, when along came a singular looking
character, dressed up in a British uniform, red coat and
cocked hat of Revolutionary vintage, mounted on a horse
that had been abandoned, having neither saddle, bridle or
halter, going at a slow trot, being guided by patting him
on the side of the neck. The "red coat" riding by with all
the dignity imaginable, turning his head neither to the right
or left, not a smile upon his countenance, merely replying

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to the interrogatories that he is a British officer on a tour
of observation. He rode to the head of the column, Kil-
patrick requesting him to ride with his staff.

We went into camp southeast of Yorktown, a short dis
tance outside the forts, in a peach orchard and near the
camp of a regiment of colored troops, of Butler's Depart
ment, whose soldier experience had thus far been confined
to the use of blank cartridges and dress parades. In their
spick span uniforms, spotless white shirts, collars and gloves,
they contrasted strongly with our mud-bespattered, travel-
worn column. For we could have said with King Henry :

"We are but warriors of the working day :
Our gayness and our gilt are all besmirch'd
With rainy marching in the painful field,
And time has worn us into slovency."

One of this gorgeous party, who ventured some deroga
tory remarks as our column passed, seemed somewhat in
doubt just as to what had happened as he slowly picked
himself up, whether he had come in contact with the busi
ness end of an army mule or the iron fist of one of Kil-
patrick's raiders.

The colored troops had a splendid camp, "A" tents, com
pany street well policed, large sutler's tent, everything in
fine condition. The regiment had dress parade in the even
ing, as fine as I ever saw. New, clean uniforms, coats,
forage caps, white shirts, collars, white gloves, shoes well
shined, the companies coming into regimental line as if
moved automatically. When the command, "right dress"
was given, the eyes of the men were as a chalk line from
right to left. This was in contrast with the appearance of
our command, who would not fare well if ordered out for
inspection. Our men presented a grotesque appearance.
During the night marches men fell asleep, losing their hats
or caps. When daylight came not a few were without the
regulation headgear. To procure a hat was the next im
portant move. The hatless trooper would possibly pay a
friendly visit to a farm house and press into service the
first hat he found, even if it was a high crowned silk hat.

251

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

Perhaps some colored individual ventured too near the
column and suddenly his hat would become the property of
a raider. It was indeed amusing to see the appearance the
command presented, especially in the great diversity of hats,
straw hats, high shiny silk hats, old fashioned bell crowned
hats, sun bonnets, bonnets and "kiss me quicks," the broad-
brimmed plantation hats being largely in the majority. In
the morning heads were covered with handkerchiefs, feed
sacks, anything to keep out the cold, rain and snow. By
noon they had all disappeared, each trooper having procured
a hat of some kind. What if General Meade, who is a great
stickler for the regulation forage cap — though he mostly
wears a hat — should see this command? The whole outfit
would be sent to the guardhouse. We greatly doubt
whether any one enjoyed the appearance of the command
more than did General Kilpatrick.

Saturday, March 5. Dismal night and glad when day
light came to our relief ; raining and snowing the greater
part of the night. The command not having tents made it
uncomfortable. Sleep was out of the question, except by
sitting on haunches leaning against a tree, covered with a
poncho. As soon as sleep took command the luckless troop
er would lose his equilibrium, roll over in the mud, get up
and try it over. The horses were very restless, being cold
and wet. Wood was scarce except what could be gathered
from the peach orchard. It was green and positively re
fused to burn. There was smoke in great plenty, but this
would not warm.

During the night the men looked with longing eyes upon
the well sheltered colored troops, fine "A" tents with plenty
of straw. This longing steadily increased until about mid
night when it took definite form. The camp guards of the
colored troops were run off, the camp attacked in force,
the colored troops skedaddling from their comfortable quar
ters, and retreating in the direction of Yorktown, in mortal
dread of Kilpatrick's cavalry. The men pulled down the
tents of the colored camp and dragged them into our
bivouac, some of the men using them for covering, though
they were far from comfortable, being wet, cold and heavy.

252

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

The sutler of the colored troops was raided, — a favorite
occupation for men having nothing else to do, — the men
finding plenty to eat and several barrels of excellent sweet
cider. The greater part of the command was busy during
the night at rather questionable avocations, but "all is fair
in love and war."

During the day the men were busy digging for clams.
Camp kettles were in demand for making clam and oyster
soup, the latter being very plentiful.

A citizen carrying a boat oar came into camp inquiring of
me, "Be you the officer in command of these people?" I
answered in the negative, referring him to General Davies,
who was sitting nearby. "Be you in command of these
people?" "I am, sir," replied the general. "What is want
ed ?" "Why," said he, "your people have ruined my connor
by shooting into it, see how this oar is splintered." A
"connor" is an oyster boat. This man had his connor near
shore, but fearing the Yankees might take possession of it
and rake oysters, which of course they would have done, an
chored it some hundred yards from shore. Davies taking
in the situation, inquired, "Where is your connor?" "Out
thar, sir." "What," said Davies, "you don't mean to tell me
that my men slivered up that oar with carbines at that dis
tance." "Yes sir, that's what they have done," replied the
citizen. "Well," said Davies, "that's mighty good shooting,
that's all, sir," and the citizen was not a whit better off than
before consulting the general. Judging from his looks his
mind must have been working very rapidly just then.

A captain of my command, a son of Erin, was industrious
ly engaged during the forenoon in preparing clam soup, the
men furnishing him with a great plenty of clams. He had
them shucked and put into a kettle for the boiling process.
They boiled, and he kept up a brisk fire and boiled. The
more they boiled the tougher they became until they were
impervious to either knife or fork. The captain grew des
perate. Tough or no tough, soup he would have and soup
he did have. He was out of pepper, and the sutler raided
last night. No pepper nearer than Yorktown. An orderly
was dispatched for pepper.

253

17— 17th R.

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

By the time the pepper arrived the soup was ready, all
but the peppering. The captain hastily opened the package,
opening it wide, about half of the contents of the quarter
pound went into the kettle. It seemed a large quantity even
for the captain, but the soup could not be wasted, so down
went soup, clams and pepper.

The command had all the clams and oysters they desired
and fared well.

Toward evening Major Hall was ordered to take four
hundred men of his command and march by way of Big
Bethel to Newport, there embark on transports for Ports
mouth, Va., where it was reported that the enemy had made
an attack.

Sunday, 6th. I was employed the greater part of the day
in getting the command cleaned up. Arms and accoutre
ments were put in good condition, so that by evening we
were reasonably presentable.

A trooper of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry informed
me there was a gentleman in Yorktown that was acquainted
with me and desired me to call on him. The trooper had
forgotten my friend's name, but knew that he kept a store
in a brown building. This was all the information he could
give. Not being acquainted in Yorktown, never having been
there, it seemed like a difficult matter to hunt for some one
on this information.

Monday, March 7. Went to Yorktown this morning to
take a view of the town, and find my friend, if
possible. On entering the town I find that the majority
of the stores are painted brown, small one story buildings.
I entered a brown building and found it to be a millinery
establishment. Inquiring of the lady in attendance if there
was any person in the building that knew me, explaining my
errand, she seemed puzzled, but replied that she did not
know me. There were several ladies in the adjoining room
but they failed to recognize me. Anyway, I wasn't hunting
for female acquaintances. It was men or a man I was after.
In the next brown building was a shoe store. The proprietor
gave me no encouragement. He was not acquainted with
me, neither were any of the men who worked for him. My

254

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

next brown building was a confectionery presided over by
a lady of uncertain age. Her back was turned toward the
door when I entered. When she turned I could readily dis
cern that she was no spring chicken. If there had been any
possible way of retreat I should have chosen it, but the
door was shut. My way of retreat was cut off. I was com
pelled to face her. She was lavishly freckled with a nice
large, loud brand. She wore long curls, very curly, possibly
because it was yet early in the day, before the kinks had had
time to come out. She was of the hatchet face style of
architecture. Her off-eye had a strong squint to it. Her
voice in ordinary conversation was cracked like, but it soon
rose above the ordinary. She certainly was not altogether
lovely to behold. I don't for the life of me see how so sour
looking an individual can sell sweets. My courage sank
quite a numerous amount of degrees. I must have been the
very personification of Bob Acres. I had just enough cour
age to say "good morning." I inquired of her in an exceed
ingly meek tone of voice, "Miss, (I chanced the Miss) is
there any one in your establishment that is acquainted with
me, that knows me?" "Know you!" she fairly hissed, "No,
I reckon not; you are one of Kilpatrick's thieves, aren't
you?" Here was a grand tableau. I essayed one of my
most innocent smiles, meekly replying, "Miss, I belong to
the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac." "Yes, I know
by your appearance that you belong to Kilpatrick's murder
ers, and if there would be any one in my employ that was
acquainted with you, I would discharge him at once," and
she straightened up ! up ! up ! as though she would never
draw all the kinks out of her vertebral column. She shot
out such an acid look from her straight eye that I feared the
gumdrops would turn sour. She pointed towards the door,
saying, "Thar is the door." I saw the door all the time, it
was my objective point, and took the hint and left.

The next place I merely opened the door and asked, "Any
one in here knows me?" From a rear apartment came a
stentorian "Yes ! Come in Spera, I know you." It is my old
friend, Captain J. R. Bricker, late of the I79th Pennsyl
vania Infantry, formerly of Lititz, Lancaster County, Pa.

255

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

After being mustered out he located here in business. I
had a very pleasant visit.

Met Edward C. Darlinton, formerly editor of the Lancas
ter, Pa., Examiner.

He brought a load of wood to town. He resides near
Gloucester. Invited me to visit him. Cannot, as we might
move at any moment.

Yorktown is an insignificant-looking place, of small frame
buildings. Three or four buildings of Revolutionary times
remain. They are built of brick brought from England. The
forts surrounding the town are formidable looking struc
tures, on which are mounted guns of large calibre. The
works built by General McClellan remain. We are now in
General Butler's department. Everything and everybody is
under strict discipline.

Generals Butler and Kilpatrick arrived at Yorktown this
evening from Fortress Monroe.

Major Hall's command arrived at Yorktown this evening
and went into camp at Gloucester Point opposite Yorktown.
Hall reports reaching Portsmouth at n a. m., (Sunday,)
moving south of the town several miles and encamping for
the night. Finding the emergency that required the presence
of troops no longer existing, the command took transports
on Monday for Yorktown.

Tuesday, March 8. I crossed York River with my com
mand, going into camp at Gloucester. Here the men were
better supplied with oysters than at Yorktown, the river
being wide and shallow, when the tide is out being not over
? foot to eighteen inches in depth. It is full of oyster beds,
being staked off by poles, marking the corners. The men
had fine times raking for oysters, an entirely new occupa
tion to most of them.

A citizen volunteered to show them beds of large oysters,
but it soon became -evident that his purpose was to keep
them away from his own beds. The men informed him
that they had no further use for him, and taking him by
the nape of the neck and the slack of the breeches, threw
him overboard. He arrived on shore rather out of humor.
A log stable was torn down, the logs placed on a pile and

256

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

set on fire. Sacks of oysters emptied on the burning logs,
gave splendid roasted oysters. It was a great treat and
feast. Government rations were not sought after.

General Kilpatrick was determined to avenge the death
of Colonel Dahlgren, who is alleged to have been killed in
a cruel and barbarous manner. At 4 a. m. a force of 2,000
cavalry, three regiments of infantry and a battery of ar
tillery commanded by General Wistar marched to Plymouth.
From here a party of cavalry went to King and Qu^een Court
House, met about 1,200 of the enemy, destroyed his camp,
drove him back twelve miles, killing and wounding a large
number, and taking thirty-five prisoners, destroyed a
large amount of Rebel army stores collected at King and
Queen Court House.

Our column went to Urbana Court House, thence to
Gloucester Court House, where it encamped on the night of
the Qth.

Thursday, March 10. Returned to Gloucester.

Friday, March u. My command embarked for Alexan
dria on the steamer "]ohn Tucker." The horses were load
ed on barges. The trip to Alexandria, Virginia, was quite
pleasant and strikingly in contrast with riding horseback
through rain, snow and mud.

Saturday, March 12. Arrived at Alexandria this evening,
going into camp a short distance from town. The men were
taken to a Soldiers' Rest where they were cared for. It
was the intention of Major Hall to remain here for a day
for the purpose of drawing clothing for the men, but Gen
eral Augur, commanding the Department of Washington,
thought otherwise. This was brought about by a Michigan
trooper killing a negro soldier, who was on guard duty at
a street corner. The trooper was riding along on his way
to camp when he was halted by the guard and ordered to
dismount, as it seemed that none but orderlies were allowed
tc ride through the streets. The trooper drew sabre, strik
ing the negro, severely wounding him, so that Kilpatrick's
cavalry had to move on and Major Hall's command went
without new clothing.

257

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

I saw Kilpatrick's Englishman at Alexandria, accompany
ing the general ; will doubtless wear his uniform to camp.
Had better keep away from General Meade.

Sunday, March 13. Marched to Fairfax stopping for
the night.

Monday, I4th. Marched to Warrenton Junction and en
camped for the night.

Tuesday, I5th. Arrived in camp at Culpepper. All hands
pleased to be in our old camp. We received our mail, wel
come letters from home.

In closing his report on the raid General Kilpatrick says,
-"On this raid my command destroyed the Virginia Central
Railroad near Frederick's Hall by tearing up the tracks and
culverts. At Beaver Dam Station the station and warehouse
were destroyed and tracks torn up. Tracks were torn up
above and below Ashland and culverts destroyed. The rail
road bridge over the Chickahominy destroyed, also viaducts
and locks on the James River Canal at different points for a
distance of thirty miles above Richmond. Eight large mills
along the James have been burned, filled with grain and
flour belonging to the Confederate Government. Several
thousand copies of the President's amnesty proclamation
were distributed throughout the entire country, and I am
satisfied that if Colonel Dahlgren had not failed in crossing
the James River, which he did either through the ignorance
or treachery of his guide, or had the enemy at Bottom Ridge
been forced to remain at that point by a threatened attack
from the direction of Yorktown, I should have entered the
Rebel capital and released our prisoners.

"The expedition failed in its great object, but through no
fault of the officers and men accompanying it. All did their
duty bravely, promptly and well, for which they deserve the
highest praise."

It had been understood that Butler was to have attacked
at Bottom Ridge simultaneously with Kilpatrick going into
Richmond.

Captain J. B. Mitchell, of the Second New York Cavalry,
in his report of the operations of the Dahlgren column to
which his command was attached says that Dahlgren's com-

258

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

mand numbering 500 men, leaving Stevensburg on the even
ing of the 28th of February, 1864, crossed the Rapidan at
Ely's Ford. Lieutenant Merritt and Scout Hogan having
the advance, captured the pickets, reaching Spottsylvania
at early dawn on the 29th, halting to feed for fifteen minutes.
Here the command left the main column, marching to with
in three- fourth of a mile from Frederick's Hall, at 1 1 a. m.,
which was the Artillery Reserve camp of the Army of
Northern Virginia (Lee's army). Here they captured six
teen artillerymen belonging to a Maryland battalion. They
gave the information that there were three different camps
with eight batteries in each, in all ninety-six guns, with a
regiment of infantry and a battalion of sharpshooters in each
camp. At Frederick's Hall a court-martial was captured,
one colonel, one major and eight or nine captains. Colonel
Dahlgren decided not to attack the camp, but move around
them. Railroads were torn up and destroyed, telegraph
poles cut down. While the command was thus engaged a
train from the north approached, but seeing the fires did
not come near.

We crossed the South Anna at 10 p. m. on the 29th. It
was raining and so dark that it was impossible to keep the
column closed up. Some fifty men were lost during the
night but joined their command at Goochland. At 2 a. m.
we halted about nine miles from Goochland. At daylight
on the morning of the ist of March we were marching
towards the James River, stopping at Mr. Heston's house
twenty-one miles from Richmond. Here Colonel Dahlgren
ordered Captain Mitchell to take one hundred men of the
Second New York Cavalry, proceed down the James River
Canal, destroy the locks, burn all mills and canal boats and
destroy all the grain he could and join Kilpatrick at Hun
gary Station. Dahlgren would cross the James River at a
ford which his guide was to show him, release the prisoners
at Belle Isle and enter Richmond by way of May's Bridge.
Here Captain M. Mitchell was to join him if possible ; if not,
to make his way to Hungary Station to join Kilpatrick.

Along the -canal Mitchell destroyed six grist mills filled
with grain and flour, saw mill, six canal boats loaded with

259

KILPATRICK'S RICHMOND RAID

grain, barn well filled on Secretary Seddon's plantation, (of
President Davis' Cabinet), coal works at Mannakin's Ferry
and Morgan's lock.

Arriving on the river road we found tracks of Dahlgren's
party. Farther on we found the dead body of a negro
hanging from the limb of a tree by the roadside. It seems
that Colonel Dahlgren intended to cross the James River by
a ford to which his guide (the negro) promised to guide
him. There was neither ford nor bridge. The guide had
known it, and Colonel Dahlgren in his indignation hung
him.

Colonel Dahlgren, finding there was no way to cross the
James River save by a very small scow, abandoned the pro
ject and proceeded to the crossroads eight miles from Rich
mond, near Short Pump, where Captain Mitchell joined him
at 3 o'clock p. m.

Colonel Dahlgren having gathered three wagon loads of
corn, halted to feed his horses while his men got coffee, halt
ing for an hour and a half when Kilpatrick's guns were
heard. Dahlgren's command went inside the fortifications
and towards Richmond, when they met with strong opposi
tion from the enemy, who was being reinforced.

It was now growing dark. Colonel Dahlgren and Major
Cook with one hundred men had gone on. The remainder
of the column lost sight of them in the darkness. Captain
Mitchell took command, joining Kilpatrick's column on the
afternoon of the second of March.

260

Ri.v. I IKNKV \V IIKKI.KK, D.I).
Chaplain. Ocean Grove, N. J,

REV. HENRY WHEELER, D.D.

CHAPLAIN SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, OCEAN GROVE, N. J.

Rev. Henry Wheeler, Chaplain of the Seventeenth Regi
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, was born in Wed-
more, Somersetshire, England, February 22, 1835. He re
ceived his early education in the Church of England day
schools, and later in the Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Pa.
He came to America, landing in New York June 23, 1855
and in August of the same year entered the itinerancy of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and served the North
Moreland Circuit in Luzerne county, Pa. In 1856 he joined
the Wyoming Conference, and served as pastor in Plains-
ville, Great Bend and Waymart in Pennsylvania.

When Colonel Coe Durland of Honesdale, Pa., recruited
the Wayne county cavalry company, a number of his par-
ishoners enlisted, and when the company left for Harris-
burg, he accompanied them. When the Seventeenth Regi
ment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry was organized he was
elected chaplain and served in that capacity until severe do
mestic affliction compelled him to resign. He was presented
with a testimonial as to his fidelity, and efficiency as chap
lain, signed by the commissioned officers then on duty with
the regiment. The testimonial is now in his possession-
After his return from the army he resumed his relations
with the conference and served as pastor in Wilkes-Barre
and Wyoming, Pa., and Waverly, Owego and Norwich,
New York", and as presiding elder of the Otsego District in
New York. He represented the Wyoming Conference in the
General Conference of 1876 and served as. pastor in Kings
ton, Pa.

In 1879 ne was transferred to the Philadelphia Conference
and was successively stationed at Columbia, at Christ Church
and Cumberland Street Church, Philadelphia, and Phoenix-
ville, Media, Coatesville and Wayne. In 1904 he was given

261

REV. HENRY WHEELER

a superannuated relation to the conference and has since re
sided in Ocean Grove, N. J- He is a member of the Ocean
Grove Camp Meeting Association. The degree of Doctor
of Divinity has been given him, and he and Mrs. Wheeler
devote themselves to literary work. Dr. Wheeler has dis
tinguished himself as an author. His books have a wide
circulation, and a number of them are text-books in the
conference course of study in the Methodist Episcopal
Church.

His son, Hon. Post Wheeler is now secretary of the
American Embassy in St. Petersburg, Russia, and his daugh
ter is professor of English literature in the Ohio Wesleyan
University, Delaware, Ohio.

262

THE CHAPLAIN AND HIS WORK.

BY REV. HENRY WHEELER, CHAPLAIN OF THE REGIMENT,
OCEAN GROVE, N. J.

The viewpoint of a chaplain of a regiment of soldiers dif
fers from that of every other officer. He has but little to
do with the physical appearance, the mental attainment, or
even the soldierly qualities of the men, but is deeply inter
ested in their moral attainments, their religious aspira
tions and enjoyments. When these are well attended to, and
the soldier is benefited by them, he is a better man, a braver
soldier, a truer patriot, more intelligent, with a higher appre
ciation of the responsibilities of his position and duty.

In 1 86 1, when our Civil War broke out, the office and
work of a regimental chaplain were almost unknown. There
were chaplains in certain military establishments or sta
tions, but regimental chaplains had not been specially need
ed; but regiments amid the constant activities and dangers
of war needed moral instructors and spiritual advisers, as
much as they needed other officers. At first the office was
occupied by men appointed by political influence, without
much regard to piety or other qualifications of a minister of
the gospel. Later it became a matter of congressional en
actment. It was required that a chaplain should be an au
thorized minister of some religious denomination; that the
rank should be that of "chaplain without command," and
that he should be borne upon the rolls next after the sur
geon, who ranked as major. No specific instructions were
given as to his method of labor or the distinctive duties that
were required of him. Of course he was known as the
moral instructor of the regiment, and that one of his duties
was to preach the gospel, but each chaplain was left to make
and work out his own program.

The chaplain of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Volunteer
Cavalry was fortunate in some respects. He was elected to
his position by the regiment ; he knew many of the men, and

263

THE CHAPLAIN AND HIS WORK

had served as pastor of churches in three or four of the
counties in which the regiment had been recruited. He
knew the general customs of the people, their modes of wor
ship, and the religious trend of the different communities.
The men of the regiment were largely from country towns,
villages and farms, native born Americans, from the com
mon schools and academies of the State, and the well-to-do
families and quiet homes. They were intelligent and patri
otic. The chaplain had an earnest desire to be useful, and
to promote the interests of the men committed to his care.
With prayerful consideration he laid out a plan of labor
which he thought would keep alive the religious feeling
which had been inspired in the hearts of the men at home.
He knew that a considerable number of them retained their
membership in the home churches.

His plan was :

First. To get the names of all the men who were church
members and organize them into a regimental church, or re
ligious association; then, get as many more as possible to
unite with them; men who would manifest a disposition of
piety toward God, and a sincere desire to become good men.
It was organized on the broad platform of gospel truth,
without any reference to denominational peculiarities.

Second. To hold a weekly Bible class for special Bible
study whenever practicable.

Third. A meeting for prayer and religious conversation
when such could be held.

Fourth. To visit the hospital every day and hold such
services as circumstances would dictate.

No religious vows were enacted of the men who became
members. A record was kept of the names, and the com
pany to which they belonged. It was explained to them
that they were a company of men having the form of godli
ness, and seeking its power ; united in order to pray together
and receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over each
other in Christian love and fellowship, that they might help
each other to work out their salvation. It was believed that
this would fortify them against the temptations and allure
ments that sometimes prevail in soldier life.

264

THE CHAPLAIN AND HIS WORK

This body of men, numbering at first forty-eight, formed
a nucleus for a more numerous body as time went by; they
were very useful, doing good, coming to the help of the
chaplain in singing and prayer, and reporting to him from
the several companies, cases that needed his special atten
tion. We need hardly say that these plans were but imper
fectly carried out, as the cavalry were almost constantly on
the move and frequently divided one squadron in one place
and another somewhere else. But a good system imperfectly
worked is better than no system, and we know that good
was accomplished.

In Washington we secured books, especially New Testa
ments, but the men were fairly well supplied with Bibles
from home. We also secured Scripture tablets to hang in
the hospital, where they could easily be seen.

A good part of the winter of 1862-63 we were in camp
near Stafford Court House. Here the chaplain had good
opportunities for work. On December 25th he held service,
preaching from the text, "Let us now go even unto Bethle
hem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the
Lord hath made known unto us" (Luke 2:15). It was a
discourse appropriate to Christmas Day. The same evening
we held a prayer-meeting, and about twenty men came for
ward and had their names recorded as members of our regi
mental church. My diary written the same night says: "It
was a good time; the Lord was with us and His name was
glorified. May the Lord bless the men who have given
themselves to Him. May they become good earnest Chris
tians and show that they have been with Jesus Christ and
learned of Him, how to deny themselves all ungodliness and
worldly lusts, and live righteously, soberly and godly in this
sinful world."

The winter of 1862-63 was the darkest and most discour
aging time of the Civil War ; but few victories had crowned
our armies. September 22, 1862, Mr. Lincoln issued a pre
liminary proclamation, saying that unless the inhabitants of
the revolted States returned to their allegiance by January
i, 1863, the slaves should be declared free. The Emancipa
tion Proclamation was issued and the slaves were liberated ;

265

THE CHAPLAIN AND HIS WORK

that was a great and memorable event in the history of our
nation and the world.

On the first Sunday morning in January we had a large
number of officers and men assemble for divine service. At
that time we had near us the Fourth and Ninth New York
and the First Maryland Cavalry. I gave as the text for the
occasion Neh. 9 137-38, "We are in great distress. And be
cause of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it, and
our princes, Levites and priests seal unto it." The occasion
that called forth this covenant among the Jews was the New
Year's celebration. The distress had been occasioned by
their unfaithfulness to God; the covenant was their New
Year's resolve to be faithful and obedient to the law of God.
To the American people the great distress was the terrible
war in which we were then engaged, the covenant was the
proclamation of the President giving freedom to the slaves,
bringing the nation into accord with advancing civilization
and the law of God ; the sealing of it was by the President,
by or with the consent of the people. From that date we
looked for the favor of God and the success of our armies.
Some officers present discussed the discourse later, and said
the chaplain was blameworthy for presenting a theme that
was political, and in favor of abolition of slavery. The
friend who reported it to me said, "Chaplain, the regiment
is with you to a man." In my diary of that date I wrote :
"My sermon was objected to because it was in favor of
abolition of the slaves, but the country and people will learn
what is God's plan in this great work when they have suf
fered enough. God grant it may be in time to save the na
tion."

In February we went into camp at Acquia Church, a few
miles back of Acquia Creek Landing. Here we found a fine
old church in a beautiful oak grove. I liked the appearance
of the church and set myself about getting it for religious
purposes. I found a guard placed there by General Kane,
to protect the church. I went to General Kane and obtained
an interview with him. I found him to be a pleasant, affable
gentleman. He was a brother of the great explorer, Elisha
Kent Kane. I asked him to give me permission to use the

266

THE CHAPLAIN AND HIS WORK

church for religious purposes. He said, "I sent the guard
there without being asked to do so by the vestry, and of
course I can take it away at my pleasure. I am glad, Mr.
Wheeler, that I have an opportunity of showing, at least
once, that I consider the two churches, Protestant Episcopal
and Methodist Episcopal as one." He at once gave me a
written order, which now lies before me :

"HEADQUARTERS, SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST Divv TWELFTH A. C,

NEAR STAFFORD CHURCH, VA., FEBRUARY 13, 1863.
"The guard from this brigade, stationed at Acquia Church, will
be subject to the orders of Rev. Mr. Wheeler, Chaplain Seventeenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry.

"By order of Brigadier-general Kane,

"JNO. P. GREEN, Capt. & A. A. G."

I expressed my thanks to the general for his kindness and
retired. This was the only time the chaplain was "in com
mand" while in the army. The guard was sent back to their
regiment, and men of the Seventeenth were detailed to clean
the church and put it in condition for religious service.

The church had a varied history. Over one door was this
inscription: "This church was built in 1751, burned down in
1754, rebuilt in 1757. Mourning Edwards, undertaker; Wil
liam Copen, mason." John Moncure was rector when it was
founded. A marble tablet on the inside of the church read :
"In memory of the race of the house of Moncure." The
Rev. Moncure D. Conway, who attained celebrity as preacher
and writer, was born and reared in this neighborhood, and
the wife of Rev. Prof. Marsh, of Lafayette College, Easton,
Pa. (I think a sister of Moncure Conway), many years later
gave me her blessing for protecting the graves of her an
cestors. I had taken the church from men who had made
fireplaces of the gravestones. Here some of our men died
of fever, and some were killed while on picket duty. Some
bodies were sent home in coffins made of cracker boxes,
and others were buried here. On March i, 1863, Harvey
Seawright, of Company A, was buried with military honors,
a man highly respected by his comrades. Funeral service
was held in the church, which was filled. The chaplain
preached from II Samuel 14:14, "For we must needs die,

267

THE CHAPLAIN AND HIS WORK

and are as water spilt upon the ground, which cannot be
gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person:
yet doth He devise means that His banished be not expelled
from Him."

While at the old church I penned the following reflections :
"The soldiers from the East, West and North lie buried by
the side of the men 'of the house of Moncure.' There is peace
among those whom death has brought low. Death is the lev-
eler of all distinctions, the settler of all strife. Friend and
foe will rest together until the last day. The soldier has
made his last retreat ; no weapon can reach him now, but he
will come forth to the last great roll call at the archangel's
reveille. Is it possible that a base and traitorous flag will
ever wave over the graves of our fallen heroes? God for
bid ! May the graves in which their ashes repose ever be
guarded by the Stars and Stripes.

"Lightly they'll talk of the spirits now gone,

And o'er their cold ashes upbraid them;
But little they'll reck, if they let them sleep on

In the graves where their comrades have laid them."

One Sunday after preaching service, an ofd citizen of the
place told me that last year a chaplain of a Tennessee regi
ment preached here and told his men in a few weeks he
would preach to them from the steps of the capitol in Wash
ington from the text, " Shout, for the Lord hath given you
the city" (Josh. 6:16). The chaplain's promise was never
fulfilled ; from that onward no Rebel force was ever as near
as the Acquia Church to the capitol building.

It is with pleasure that the* chaplain bears testimony to
the excellent moral bearing of the regiment, to the gentle
manly courtesy of officers and men. He had free access to
all, and was the confidant of some. There is no recollection
of any act of discourtesy or slight ; no barrier was placed in
his way, and all his services were gladly received in public
and in private.

It was his pleasure to visit the hospital, to read the Scrip
tures, to offer prayer and call attention to the promises that
hung on the walls of the tent. At such times conversation

268

THE CHAPLAIN AND HIS WORK

was eagerly listened to, and letters from home were read,
and answers written by the chaplain.

When the regiment was sent to Alcock's farm, on the
Warrenton Pike, the discharge papers of some sick men
were carried away with the regimental records while the
men remained in the hospital at Acquia Church. The chap
lain made the journey, somewhat dangerous and difficult,
alone, obtained the papers, and the men were sent home.
This was thankfully appreciated.

The presence of the chaplain was a restraint even to
those whose language was not always religious or moral.
He knew that some officers were easily provoked to intem
perate words, but when the chaplain was present never an
oath was uttered. If any intoxicants were in camp they
were never used by officers or men in the presence of the
chaplain.

Now, after the lapse of forty-five years, all of which have
been spent as a minister of the gospel of Christ, he has
never found any employment or station that gave him more
satisfaction than the time spent as chaplain of the Seven
teenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry; not for the pleas
ure of the life, but for the need of such service among the
soldiers as a chaplain can render, and for the good he could
do for God, for his comrades and his country.

It was with great regret, at the advice of his fellow offi
cers who knew the circumstances, that he left the service on
account of severe domestic affliction, and was honorably dis
charged, bearing with him the written testimony of thirty-
two-officers, all that were then on duty with the regiment.
The testimony was as follows :

"WHEREAS, Rev. Henry Wheeler has, on account of domestic
affliction, thought best to resign, therefore be it

"Resjolved, That we lose in Mr. Wheeler a faithful and efficient
chaplain, whose services have been eminently successful and uni
versally acceptable. While he has been with us he has maintained
his Christian integrity unimpeachable, and it is with regret that we
recognize the necessity of his retirement, but he leaves with our
very best wishes for his future success."

269

18— 17th R.

THE CHAPLAIN AND HIS WORK

It was also a great satisfaction to him that, since the war,
he has been recognized as a worthy comrade, and has had
the sad privilege of officiating at the burial of several of the
chief officers of the regiment. It will ever remain a grati
fication to him that he served with a regiment that distin
guished itself in action, and was second to none in fidelity
and service.

270

JACOP. A. LOOSE.
Sergeant, Company K, Palmyra, Pa.

THE BATTLE OF COLD HARBOR.

BY SERGEANT J. A. LOOSE, COMPANY E, PALMYRA, PA.

The latter part of May, 1864, found General Robert E.
Lee's army strongly entrenched on the south side of the
North Anna River, about twenty miles from the Confederate
capital, with all the approaches to Richmond well guarded,
thus giving him a decided advantage over General Grant's
army. Again General Grant advanced General Meade's
army by its left flank, crossing the Pamunkey River near
White House Landing. In this movement General Sheri
dan, with his entire corps, was in the advance, and on May
26, 1864, the First Division, under command of General
Alfred T. A. Torbert, marched to Mangohick Church where
it made a short halt. During the same night we marched in
the rear of the division, and about daybreak reached the
Pamunkey River opposite Hanovertown. On the morning
of May 2/th, we crossed the river on a pontoon bridge and
immediately went into position, right in front of Hanover-
town, in support of a battery. Later in the engagement our
regiment made a flank movement under cover of a woods
and advanced toward the road leading to Hanovertown. In
this movement the regiment captured two Confederate offi
cers and about twenty men. The enemy was now in full re
treat, hotly pursued by our entire brigade. Upon reaching
Crump's Creek our further advance was interrupted by a
strong force of the enemy and the bridge across the creek
had been partly destroyed.

May 28th, — During the night the bridge was temporarily
repaired. Early in the morning our regiment, having been
sent across the creek to reconnoiter, found that the enemy
had retired about two miles to a strongly fortified position.
After a brisk skirmish, finding the Confederates strongly
entrenched, we were relieved by troops of the Sixth Corps ;
and later in the day, marched with the brigade to Hawe's
Shop, where we were massed in column of squadron in
support of other cavalry troops who had preceded us and
were then hotly engaged. About dark we marched to Han
overtown and bivouacked for the night.

271

THE BATTLE OF COLD HARBOR

May 29th, — We crossed the Totopotomoy Creek and took
a position on the Old Church Road.

May 3Oth, — The regiment was sent out to picket the
Cold Harbor Road. About one hour after the pickets were
posted, they were attacked and driven across the Matade-
quin Creek. The regiment rallied in support of the picket
reserve, the Rebel cavalry was dispersed and the original
picket line reestablished. About one hour after the first
attack our pickets were again driven in, and the regiment
was again hurried to the front. The engagement now be
came general. The enemy made a desperate effort to force
a passage across the creek. Our regiment fought dismount
ed and held them in check until the Sixth New York, dis
mounted, formed on our right, and the Ninth New York,
also dismounted, formed on our left. More troops were
massed in our rear, which later became warmly engaged.
Our ammunition having become exhausted, we were tem
porarily relieved by the Second Regulars who took up our
position in the line. After the regiment had retired there
was a general advance and the enemy was driven from the
field. Late in the afternoon we marched, with the brigade,
to White House where we encamped for the night. May
3 ist, Colonel Devin, our brigade commander, received the
following order: —

"HEADQUARTERS, CAVALRY DIVISION, MAY 31, 1864.
"Colonel Devin, Commanding Second Brigade, First Division, Cav
alry Corps.

"Colonel : There will be an advance of the division on Cold Har
bor this p. m. You will be in the saddle and start promptly at 4
p. m. on the road where your scouts went this morning. From all
information I can gain, you can go within one and a half miles of
Cold Harbor without meeting their pickets. Keep a few men ahead,
and when they meet the enemy, halt and let your command close up.
When you hear that I am well engaged on the right, where General
Merritt will advance, I want you to make a bold dash for Cold
Harbor. It is possible you may have to dismount a regiment to at
tract the enemy, but you must send one or two sabre regiments in
among their lead horses. General Custer will send one regiment
across the country from his present position, starting at 4 p. m.
Caution your men of this, and don't fire on them if they get into
Cold Harbor in advance, or while marching up there. Have no
bugle calls while getting ready. Endeavor to communicate with

272

THE BATTLE OF COLD HARBOR

me across the country. I will be on the road where General Mer-
ritt is. Yours, etc., "A. T. A. TORBERT,

"Brigadier-general of Volunteers, Commanding First Cavalry
Division."

We started at the hour named, with the Ninth New York
in advance. When within two miles of Cold Harbor a line
of pickets was discovered. They proved to be the pickets
of the Fifth Michigan. We passed through this picket line,
and, about one mile from this point, the advance was fired
upon by the Rebel pickets. A charge made by the Ninth
New York revealed the fact that the enemy were strongly
entrenched. Our regiment was dismounted and advanced
through the woods. We immediately became heavily en
gaged, losing a number of men. We had almost reached
Cold Harbor when we were confronted with another barri
cade, and in a charge, failed to dislodge the enemy. The
Ninth New York came to our support, also dismounted.
With this support the regiment charged again and, after a
short but brisk engagement, the enemy was forced out of
his entrenchments, retiring in the direction of Gaines Hill.
Not a moment's time was lost until we fought our way
into Cold Harbor. In this engagement the regiment lost
thirty men in less than half an hour. About midnight the
entire brigade was withdrawn from Cold Harbor, virtually
to the same position we occupied in the morning, yielding
the ground we paid for so dearly during the day.

June 2d, — The regiment was ordered to proceed again
in the direction of Cold Harbor, endeavoring to find some
road leading to the left of the position we occupied the
previous day, and open a line of communication with the
infantry line. But from the peculiar nature of the country
in this vicinity it was found impossible to make such a
connection. Failing to accomplish our purpose, we made
a detour some miles and found ourselves at Summers'
Bridge, where General Gregg was engaging the enemy.

June 3d, — The regiment rejoined the brigade.

June 4th, — Marched to Old Church where the Fourth
New York Regiment was assigned to our brigade. At the
same time a number of remounted men reported for duty.

273

BUGLERS AND BUGLE CALLS.

Next to the first sergeant, of the enlisted men in a cavalry
company, the bugler was, possibly, one of the most con
spicuous, as nearly all the camp services and regimental
drills were directed by bugle calls. The regiment had
twenty-five buglers, two to each company and one chief
bugler. The chief bugler ranked as a sergeant and was at
tached to the regimental non-commissioned staff. While
company buglers were members of their respective com
panies, they were also subject to the orders of the chief
bugler.

The buglers would observe regular periods of practice un
der the instruction of the chief bugler, just the same as com
panies would observe their drill periods. They would also
be detailed for duty as other similar details were made. As
the bugler, each day, would report for duty, he would re
ceive from the adjutant the orders of the various calls to
be observed during the day as prescribed by the command
ing officer.

BugeiSsly °f The first cal1 m the morning, usually about five o'clock,
was "Assembly of Buglers." The buglers would assemble
at headquarters and in concert sound "Reveille." This was
the signal for the men to get out of bed (if in bed at all)
and get ready for roll call. About fifteen minutes later, the
buglers, again in concert, sounded the "Assembly Call."
Each company was then obliged to form in line, on its own
grounds, and, after being dressed by the first sergeant, he
would step about six paces in front of the, company and
give the command "Pay Attention to Roll Call." The ser
geant would then call the name of every member of the
company. Each man was obliged to answer for himself,
and woe to the man who failed to answer roll call, unless
he had a legitimate excuse. Failing to answer roll call
usually meant extra duty of some kind. After roll call
the sergeant was required to make daily reports to his com
manding officer of the men in camp; the number that were
sick, in their quarters, or in the hospital; the number pres-

274

BUGLERS AND BUGLE CALLS

ent for duty; the number detailed for duty; those absent
with leave, and those absent without leave, as well as such
other requirements as were specified by the regulations.
These reports were consolidated at regimental headquarters
and then transmitted to brigade, division and corps head
quarters, and finally to department headquarters, so that
the general commanding a department could always know
how many men he could depend upon for field service.

Immediately after roll call, the bugler at headquarters stable caii
would sound "Stable Call." This call was not always uni
formly observed. When the regiment was regularly en
camped the custom was for the company to reform, each
man, with nose-bag in hand, and march in a body to the
quartermaster's quarters, draw forage, and then each one
feed and curry his horse. This order was not always fol
lowed ; other methods were in vogue as conditions suggest
ed. After the horses were fed and groomed "Breakfast Breakfast
Call" was sounded, when the men prepared and ate their Cal1-
breakfast. As long as the regiment was settled in regular
quarters, company cooks were usually detailed who would
take charge of the rations and prepare them for the entire
company. Each man would take his plate and tin cup and
receive from the company cook his allotted ration already
cooked. During active campaigning this method was not
practicable. As a whole I think the men invariably preferr
ed to receive their rations each man for himself. Some liked
their coffee strong, others weak ; some liked it sweet, others,
with little or no sugar in it; some liked their meat rare,
others, well done ; some wanted their beans baked, some
preferred bean soup, and thus their tastes differed ; and, by
receiving the rations raw, each man, or two or more club-
ing together, could prepare their meals to suit their tastes.

The next call was "Sick Call." In reponse to this call, sick CM
those who were sick reported at the surgeon's quarters or
hospital tent for prescriptions. In consequence of the num
ber of men in a regiment exposed to all kinds of climatic
changes, the meager shelter they had, and the arduous
duties they performed, the sick calls, as a rule, were well
patronized. While the true patriotic soldier only responded

275

BUGLERS AND BUGLE CALLS

to sick call, when in absolute need of medical aid, there
were always those to be found in every company, who, to
escape guard or fatigue duty or to keep out of battle, would
feign illness. Too often they succeeded, thus compelling
their immediate associate to do service which they were just
as able to perform.

Water Call. The next was "Water Call." If the camp was near a stream
of water, which was invariably the case, if possible, this was
a simple service; but when it became necessary to take the
horses a mile or more to water, it was a matter of no
small concern and consequence. The writer distinctly re
members the horsewatering trips the regiment used to make,
twice a day, from Camp McClellan, through the city of
Harrisburg, to the Susquehanna River about two miles dis
tant, and how some of the men would take advantage, in
that way, to ride a horse out of camp, and, at some con
venient spot along the route, turn the horse over to some
one else in the line, and either ride back into camp again
during one of the following trips or run the guard line dur
ing the night.

Fatigue caii. The next call was ''Fatigue Call." When in regular camp
it was of the utmost importance to maintain the best possible
sanitary conditions. For this purpose a sufficient number
of men were detailed each day for fatigue duty, policing
and cleaning 'the streets, stables, mess-tents, burying refuse
matter, getting wood and water for the cooks, and what
ever other similar duties were necessary.

Guard Mount. Now that the men were breakfasted, the horses fed,
groomed and watered, the sick cared for, the regular mili
tary duties of the day really only commenced, and so the
next call was "Guard Mount." Excepting reviews and dress-
parades, guardmount always appealed to the author as the
most impressive of military services. Details of one or more
commissioned officers and a sufficient number of men from
the respective companies, who reported at headquarters for
provost duty, were always made the preceding day. At
the call of "Guard Mount," the first sergeant of each com
pany would report his detail to the adjutant of the regiment
and was obliged to remain until such detail had passed in-

276

BUGLERS AND BUGLE CALLS

spection. Failing to qualify, substitutes had to be furnished
at once. While the details were marched to the color line,
the regimental band would play marching music. The band
would also discourse music during the inspection of the
guard and, at the proper time, sound off, the same as dur
ing dress-parade. The new officer of the day would then
receive from the retiring officer his orders, after which the
new guard would be divided into three reliefs ; first, second
and third. Each relief would be on duty for two hours and
four hours off, out of the twenty-four hours. The new
officer of the day would also report to the adjutant or com
manding officer for further instructions.

The next call was "Drill Call." If the weather permitted, Drin can.
from nine to twelve o'clock was devoted to company drills,
and, as company commanders usually determined the fore
noon drills, they were of different kinds, drills by squads,
drills by company, drills mounted and drills dismounted;
drills in the manual of arms, such as carbine, sabre, revolver
and other branches of military tactics. At first these drills
were much enjoyed by the men and there was keen com
petition between some of the companies, but the novelty
soon wore off, and later the men would complain, occasion- '
ally, that drills were excessive. To be drilled and drilled
by company, and then drilled and drilled by squadron, and
then drilled over and over again by regiment, soon became
monotonous and tiresome. But the men soon learned that
such training and discipline was essential to prepare th^m
for the more strenuous duties that were to follow.

The next bugle call was a more cheerful one, "Recall." It Recall,
was the recall from the drill ground, and was welcomed by
all, who tired, dusty and hungry gladly repaired to camp
to await the next and even more welcome of the various
calls, "The Dinner Call." About two hours was allowed
for dinner when again we hear the sound of the bugle sound
ing the "Assembly Call for Regimental Drill." At two Assembly can
o'clock the companies are marched on the color line, dress- Drill ei
ed by the adjutant and turned over to the colonel or some
one designated by him for regimental movements. These
drills were invariably directed by bugle notes and it was

277

BUGLERS AND BUGLE CALLS

surprising how soon, both men and horses learned the mean
ing of the bugle sounds, and became masters of the move
ments required of them. Usually no call was necessary
for regimental recall, as the commanding officer would dis
miss them at his pleasure.
Assembly Caii At about four o'clock the headquarter bugler would sound

for Dress

Parade. the "Assembly Call for Dress Parade." Dress parade was

the most imposing of all our military ceremonials. The men
were expected to wear their best clothing and generally to
appear to the best possible advantage before their comman
der. Immediately after the second call of the bugle, the
regimental band would strike up some familiar selection of
marching music, and the respective companies, in their regu
lar order, would form on the color line, with the band on the
right of the line. After the line was formed by the adju
tant, he would command the band to sound off. The band
would then play again, move forward about thirty feet, then
make a left turn and march along the entire front, and, when
it reached the left flank, wheel and march back over the
same ground and take its position again at the right of the
line. The commanding officer, with his staff behind him,
would take a position about one hundred feet in front facing
the line. At the command of the adjutant, the officers ad
vanced about five paces in front of their companies. The
adjutant now commanded the orderly sergeants to advance
to the centre of the line and make their reports, after which
they returned to their respective companies. The adjutant
now read or published any orders which may have been
received from the War Department, corps, division or bri
gade headquarters, or issued by the commanding officer of
the regiment. The adjutant next commanded the officers to
advance to the front and centre and escorted them in line
to within about ten paces of the commanding officer with a
military salute. If the commanding officer had any instruc
tions to give, complaints or compliments to make to the offi
cers, this was the time when it was usually done. This done
there were a few minutes for mutual congratulations, when
the officers separated, the companies marched to their quar
ters, broke ranks, and the military work of the day was over.

278

BUGLERS AND BUGLE CALLS

We now have in close succession the evening calls,
"Water Call," "Stable Call," "Supper Call" and, about
nine o'clock, another "Roll Call."

Then there were a number of special calls, such as "Offi
cers Call," "First Sergeants Call," "Boots and Saddles," and
"Taps." "Boots and Saddles" would always create a stir
and bustle in camp, especially when it was meant for the
breaking of camp and going on a march or getting ready
to go into a fight.

"Taps" was the last call and was usually sounded about
ten o'clock p. m. It meant "Lights Out" when all, save
those on duty, were supposed to be in bed.

Then too, the buglers of a cavalry company were a kind
of emergency men, being used as messengers to the com
missioned officers, to look after the sick, to have charge of
the mail, to act as substitutes for details, or to pick up odds
and ends of various kinds not definitely defined by military
regulations. I repeatedly took the place of my chum, if
not on duty myself, when he had been detailed for duty.

Then, too, the buglers had their episodes and diversions
as well as any other branch of the service. I recall an
incident which may interest the reader. The chief bugler
of our regiment had seen service as a bugler in the regular
army before the War of the Rebellion. He was of Irish
extraction, and his physique was considerable below the
average both as to height and weight. He was an expert
bugler and he knew it. He was as proud as a peacock, and,
as far as circumstances would permit, his dress was fault
less. His ambition was to have the best bugler's corps in
the brigade, which, it was generally admitted, he had. To
accomplish this he may have been a trifle over-officious and
possibly a little too rigid in his discipline. His ideal was
the regular army regulations and, in his zeal to conform to
that standard, he frequently caused the displeasure of his
subordinates.

This was especially evidenced in strained relations which
soon developed between the chief bugler and one of the
company buglers. It was a contention between the regular
army and the volunteer army. The chief bugler had no use

279

BUGLERS AND BUGLE CALLS

for the volunteer soldier, and the company bugler had no
use for the regular soldier. When the chief bugler would
insist on having things done according to regular army
regulations, this company bugler would insist in doing them
in his own way and say, "That is the volunteer army regula
tion." Such disobedience, according to regular army regu
lations, would have to be reported to headquarters. These
complaints became somewhat monotonous, so, on a certain
occasion, the chief bugler and this company bugler were
called into the presence of Colonel Coe Durland who, after
hearing the charge and the defense in this particular com
plaint, said, he could not render a verdict unless he had
some corroborative evidence, whereupon the company bugler
suggested that he and the chief bugler take a walk outside
of the guard line and quietly talk the matter over and re
port to the colonel later. This proposition was accepted.
When they returned the company bugler, who was very
much taller and heavier than the chief bugler, seemed to
have the worst of the "talkover." The chief bugler said
to the colonel, "This was the easiest job I had for a* long
time." The company bugler accepted the verdict and said
"Colonel, I guess the regular army regulations are right."
This amused Colonel Durland very much and they all joined
in a hearty laugh.

This little episode placed a chip on the chief bugler's
shoulder and the regular army regulations were more pro
nounced, and again the two buglers were called into the
presence of Colonel Coe Durland and, because statements
made by each were so contradictory, he again declined to
pass judgment upon their grievances without corroborative
evidence. The chief bugler then said "Perhaps Abe would
like to have another 'talkover.' " This challenge was prompt
ly accepted and again the two buglers walked outside of the
guard line, unattended, and quietly talked the grievances
over. When they reported to the colonel, Jimmy, as he
was familiarly known, looked as though he had decidedly
the worst of the "talkover" and admitted that, this time,
the volunteer regulation was right. Colonel Durland then
gave them some good fatherly advice, and expressed the

280

BUGLERS AND BUGLE CALLS

hope that he would never hear any more complaints from
that source, saying that, if either of them should annoy him
again with more complaints, he would be reduced to the
ranks. Thereupon the two buglers shook hands, and after
that were the best of friends.

281

SERVICE RECORD OF PRIVATE H. F. LONG,
Company I, Harrisburg, Pa.

WAR! WAR! WAR! These words composed the head
lines in large tpye of an article that appeared in the weekly
paper that came to my father's house about the middle of
April, 1 86 1. The article gave a detailed account of the fir
ing upon and surrender of Fort Sumter in the harbor of
Charleston, South Carolina. I was then a young man
twenty years of age, living in a rural district, and was not
sufficiently informed on affairs national to pass an intelligent
opinion upon such a rash act. But, with the meager infor
mation I had, I could not construe it as other than treason ;
and, as such, I condemned it with all my heart. I recall how
my patriotic nature was stirred and how anxious I was to
keep posted on all the movements touching the war. I was
especially interested in the patriotic response of the loyal
people of the North to the President's call for 75,000 volun
teers to suppress the rebellion; and in the excitement that
followed the Baltimore riots, the death of Colonel Ells
worth in Alexandria, Virginia, the defeat of the Union
army at Bull Run, the successes and defeats of the Pen
insular campaign, the Maryland invasion, and other im
portant events as they unfolded in quick succession with
out any decided advantage on either side. All of which con
vinced me that more men were needed to defeat the pur
poses of the hot-headed leaders of the Southern Confed
eracy to destroy the Union.

On the very day when the battle of Antietam was fought,
T was in my father's field cutting clover seed. A neighbor
and friend of mine came along the road who invited me to
go with him to New Bloomfield, to enlist in Captain John
B. McCallister's cavalry company. The invitation was ac
cepted, the cradle was hung on the fence, and I joined my
friend on the way to New Bloomfield, stopping however
long enough at my father's home to say good-by. Reaching
New Bloomfield our names were soon enrolled. We took
the places assigned us in the company and left for Harris-
burg, Pa.

282

I I KXRY F. L().\'<i.

Company I, Harrisbur

SERVICE RECORD OF PRIVATE LONG

We arrived at the capital city, and were escorted to Camp
Simmons, adjoining Camp Curtin. I at once began to
adjust myself to the new mode of life so suddenly thrust
upon me. I now realized that I had left home and friends,
cut loose from civic life and joined the army. That I was
no longer privileged to do as I pleased, but had to obey the
orders of my superiors, right or wrong. Not possessing a
very strong constitution, I soon took sick and was permitted
to return home for several weeks. When I rejoined the
company, the regiment had been transferred to Camp Mc-
Clellan, about a mile north of the city of Harrisburg. In
this camp we were furnished with horses and other equip
ments. I considered myself most fortunate in having as
signed me a good horse that proved one of the best in
the company. I became very much attached to him, and
he served me well. I am very sure he saved me from be
ing captured at the battle of Occoquan, Virginia. In a skir
mish we had with the Confederate cavalry, being on the
flank with several others, the Rebels expected to cut off
our retreat. But, remembering,

"That he who fights and runs away,
May live to fight another day,"

we did our very best to escape ; and here is where my faith
ful horse saved me from being captured.

After we joined the regiment at Acquia Creek, in Staf
ford county, Va., I was detailed as an orderly at Fifth
Corps headquarters. My duties as an orderly and a carrier
of dispatches, frequently placed me in communication with
various commands of the Army of the Potomac. I there
fore had opportunities to learn something of the different
movements not generally known to the rank and file. I was
with the headquarters of General George Meade during the
battle of Chancellorsville. It was in this fight that I had
a good opportunity to see much of the manly, soldierly
qualities and bearing of General Meade, which, in my
humble opinion, places him on an equality with Generals
Grant, Sherman and Sheridan.

283

SERVICE RECORD OF PRIVATE LONG

After the battle of Chancellorsville, we returned to Acquia
Creek near Falmouth and occupied virtually the same camp
we did just before we left for Chancellorsville. Embolden
ed by the defeat of the Army of the Potomac at Chancellors
ville, the Confederate army took the initiative, moved out
of its strong position, and started for Maryland and Penn
sylvania. The Army of the Potomac followed on the flank.
Orderlies for messenger duty were almost constantly in
demand and their services were most arduous. We were in
the saddle almost day and night.

We arrived at Gettysburg, Pa., on the afternoon of June
30, 1863. As we rode through the streets of Gettysburg my
patriotic heart was stirred because of our warm reception.
The college boys sang, — "We'll hang Jeff Davis on a sour
apple tree." At another place a group of girls sang, —
"Rally round the Flag." And still a little later a number
of young ladies sang the "Star Spangled Banner" for us.
We were not accustomed to such welcome greetings, and
our hearts were greatly cheered. We camped for the night
in a field adjoining the Mummasburg Road, just in the rear
of Seminary Ridge. Companies E, F and M, all under the
command of Major J. Q. Anderson, were detailed for picket
duty that night, with the reserve post on Seminary Ridge
near the Seminary. The picket line extended from Rock
Creek to the Mummasburg Road. Early in the morning
of July ist, the enemy drove in our pickets, and the regiment
was formed in line of battle on the open ground some dis
tance in advance of the ridge.

Being mounted we were a good target for both the enemy's
artillery and infantry. The fighting now commenced in
earnest. We were dismounted, sent our horses to the' rear,
took a position behind a stone wall which extended along
the ridge, and successfully resisted several charges made
by the enemy until we were relieved by the First Corps. The
regiment then extended the line of battle on our right flank
and soon came in contact with the enemy advancing on the
Carlisle Road. On account of overwhelming numbers we
were forced back, retreating in good order through the
town and took a position on Cemetery Hill. At the close of

284

SERVICE RECORD OF PRIVATE LONG

the first day's fight I felt discouraged. It was a hard fight
all day against superior numbers. But as one corps after
the other came on the field during the night, I felt more
hopeful. Some time during the night we took a position
on the left of the Emmittsburg Road, almost immediately in
the rear of the Peach Orchard, where we were engaged
early the following morning, skirmishing with the enemy
until relieved by the Third Corps. We then formed on the
left of the Third Corps and extended the line to the Wheat
Field, Devil's Den and Little Round Top, until we were again
relieved and, during the afternoon, marched to Westminster
to protect General Meade's wagon train.

At Gettysburg General Robert E. Lee met with so disas
trous a defeat that, after the third day's fight, he immediate
ly put his army in motion to recross the Potomac River, in
to Virginia again. The Cavalry Corps was concentrated at
Frederick City, Maryland, no doubt with a view of making
a strong demonstration to harass General Lee's rear, and,
if possible, to capture his supply train. Moving in the di
rection of Williamsport we met the enemy in the vicinity
of Boonsborough and Funkstown. We participated in al
most daily skirmishes, but General Lee had his retreat so
well covered that little damage was done to his army, and
he safely recrossed the Potomac at Falling Waters. We
crossed the Potomac River at Berlin, July 15, 1863, and were
again on Virginia soil. Space will not permit me to follow
the regiment during the fall and winter campaigns.

May 9, 1864, we were again on the south side of the
Rapidan River. In rapid succession the battles of Todd's
Tavern, Yellow Tavern, Meadow Bridge, Hanovertown,
Hawe's Shop, Old Church and Cold Harbor were fought.
I recall an incident that occurred when the troops of the
Fifth Corps relieved our regiment, that was amusing to me.
I think it was at the Old Church fight. As I passed General
Warren, one of his men approached him and asked the
general's permission to go to the rear, saying that he was
sick. The general replied, "There is no going back, every
thing now is going forward, get in line and move on."

285

19— 17th R.

SERVICE RECORD OF PRIVATE LONG

During the engagement at Cold Harbor, May 31, 1864,
we made several mounted charges, on the enemy's line, but
failed to dislodge him. We were then dismounted and
charged again over the same ground, in an open field, when
two bullets struck me in my left arm. I was removed to an
improvised hospital, established in an old grain barn and,
during the night, my left arm was amputated. The follow
ing day, with other wounded, I suffered a painful ride over
rough corduroy roads, in a heavy army wagon, to White
House Landing where we were placed on transports to
Washington, D. C. Among the wounded was a man who
had received only a slight wound. I thought to myself, if
I were not wounded more seriously than he, I would be
very thankful. Yet that man died on the boat before we
arrived at Washington, and I, at the age of seventy, am
still living. After spending five months in the hospital, I
was granted a furlough, came home and cast my first vote
for Abraham Lincoln for President of the United States,
an act of which I have been proud ever since. I was dis
charged from the United States service, November 28, 1864,
on account of wounds received in action. I am a member
of Post 58, G. A. R., Department of Pennsylvania, and have
spent thirty-seven years in the gospel ministry.

286

RECRUITS OF THE REGIMENT.

Because of the strenuous services and exposures of the
men who composed the regiment during 1862 and 1863, its
ranks became very much depleted. To replenish this loss
the ranks were filled with new recruits.

During the winter of 1864 the regiment received many
new recruits, and it soon developed that the very friendly
and cordial feeling of comradeship which originally existed
between the enlisted men and the officers was no longer a
distinguishing feature. The lines drawn between the new
recruits and the officers became more marked. As a rule,
the old soldiers were men of higher intelligence, and prompt
ly accepted the orders of their superiors without question.
Many of the recruits were of inferior intelligence, requir
ing the enforcement of more rigid discipline to harden and
instruct them for efficient service.

Recruits may be divided into at least three classes :

The first class may be described as honest and straight
forward men who went into the service from patriotic mo
tives, the same as did the old volunteers, and gracefully ac
cepted the stern realities of a soldier's life. They donned
the blue uniform as it was issued to them, whether it was
well fitting or not. They found no fault when detailed for
duty and were willing and eager to learn the art of war.
This class of recruits soon made friends with the old sol
diers and thus avoided many of the practical jokes which
were frequently practiced on the recruits by the old sol
diers.

The second class of recruits may be described as "dudes,"
who came to camp with brand-new uniforms, which were
not only made to fit well, but were frequently of the finest
material. Their caps were embellished with bright shining
insignias of the various companies to which they had been
assigned. They frequently wore new heavy top boots, elab
orately stitched in colors with some military design, white
collars and boiled shirts, or, if woolen, those of the finest
quality. As long as their money lasted they had little use

287

RECRUITS OF THE REGIMENT

for the army rations that were issued to them ; they would
purchase their subsistence from the army sutler, if one was
within reasonable distance. When detailed for duty they
would invariably growl and find fault. Their dudish ap
pearance and conduct made them the laughing stock of the
old veterans, and all sorts of jokes were played upon this
class of recruits.

The third class of recruits may be described as "bounty
jumpers." These men did not enlist from patriotic motives,
but for the money they could make out of it. They accept
ed the high bounties that were offered by cities, towns and
townships to make their quotas. After they had received
their bounties they would desert the first opportunity they
had, and enlist again, in some other locality, under an as
sumed name. Many of them were old offenders against the
law — criminals, scoundrels and cowards ; they were always
present in camp when rations were issued, but seldom on
hand when ammunition was issued. During engagements,
if at all possible, they would sneak away from their com
panies; and, if compelled to go into battle, they had to be
watched all the time. As no man can fight when surround
ed by cowards, so these cowards, instead of strengthening,
weakened every line of battle they were forced into. No
matter how brave a soldier may be, he relies on the man
with whom he touches elbows and depends on him to stand
by him — he wants to hear the shout of his comrade in the
charge — he wants to be sure that the man by his side is true.
An old veteran, speaking of these "bounty jumpers," said:
"I was always afraid to fight with any one of these bounty
jumpers by my side. I knew a man who had been paid one
thousand dollars for enlisting. His place in line was next
to me. It kept me busy to keep him from running to the
rear whenever we were under fire." During the winter of
1864 the regiment was credited with having received 629
new recruits, 54 of whom never reported for duty.

288

GF.OROF. T. Si-F/n IC.IT..
Sergeant, Company AI, Oil City, Pa.

TWO PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS.

BY SERGEANT G. T. SPETTIQUE OF COMPANY M, OIL CITY, PA.

THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN JAMES HAM.

Reviewing my army experiences, I recall a few incidents
which made an impression upon my mind which I shall
never forget. One is the death of Captain James Ham.
Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore W. Bean's "Roll of
Honor of The Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun
teer Cavalry" reports Captain Ham as having been killed
at the battle of Five Forks, Va. This is not correct. He
was, however, mortally wounded in that engagement, but
did not die until twelve o'clock the following night. I was
by his side when he was wounded. It occurred almost im
mediately after we had leaped over the breastworks of the
enemy, about ten o'clock a. m., April i, 1865. Lieutenant
John Anglun of my company also received a slight wound
in one of his legs. Captain Ham received a gunshot wound
through the bowels. Being right by his side when he was
wounded, I assisted in carrying him from the battlefield to
the Dinwiddie Court House Hospital, where his wound was
carefully examined.

His condition being regarded as critical, the surgeon
who made the examination at once ordered him sent to the
General Hospital at City Point. During all this time v the
captain suffered intense pain, and his appeals for help were
most distressing. He knew he would die from his wound, but
he did not expect to die so soon. He would frequently say,
"O, my poor wife, my poor wife! What will she do? This
shock will kill her." Then he' would appeal to God to pro
tect his poor wife and child. While thus waiting at the
station for transportation we were joined by Lieutenant
James Anglun, and the captain requested him to write to
Daniel Roberts of Scranton, Pa., giving him full particulars

289

TWO PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS

how Mr. Roberts should break the news to his dear wife;
also to give her complete details of his wound. After he
was placed in the car and made as comfortable as possible,
he commenced to sink rapidly. He placed his right hand on
his breast where he seemed to have had the most pain, and
his last words I could hear him utter were, "O, my God, be
merciful to my wife and dear child." He died as if falling
asleep. His body was embalmed and expressed to his
friends at Honesdale, Pa. Captain Ham was a brave soldier,
a good horseman, and was popular in his regiment. The men
of his company (M,) were proud of him, and he enjoyed
their confidence. It was most distressing that such a brave
man, just in the prime of life, who had faced the enemy's
bullets on so many a hard-fought battlefield, should be so
ruthlessly stricken down just a few days before the close of
the war.

STORY OF THE YOUNG OFFICER FROM THE WAR
DEPARTMENT.

Another incident I recall that I shall never forget was this :
Immediately after the battle of Winchester, September 19,
1864, our regiment was detailed for provost duty, with head
quarters at Winchester. The chief duties of the regiment
were to carry dispatches and do patrol and provost duty be
tween Martinsburg, Harper's Ferry and General P. H. Sheri
dan's headquarters. I was in charge of the detail to carry the
first message from Winchester to Woodstock, where General
Sheridan then had his headquarters. I remained with my de
tail at headquarters until the following day, when I returned
to Winchester with dispatches for Colonel E. O. Edwards,
the provost marshal. Some time later, with sixteen men, I
was detailed to escort an officer of the War Department at
Washington, D. C., from Winchester to General Sheridan's
headquarters. The detail was in charge of the orderly ser
geant of Company I.

This young officer wore a brand-new regulation uniform,
was well mounted, and, seemingly took special pains to make
everybody feel uncomfortable in his presence. He was rest-

290

TWO PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS

less and impulsive, and the ordinary gait we were going was
too slow for him. He, being the superior officer in the es
cort, undertook to issue orders to the orderly sergeant. He
would ride in advance of the escort and then call back to
the sergeant to hurry up.

The trip was made during the night, and I spoke to the
orderly sergeant and said that the young officer of the War
Department might get into trouble; that we might run into
guerrillas. The sergeant told him of the danger, when he
slackened his pace some, but he would still insist on riding
in advance of the escort. As we approached the narrow
portion of the road near Fisher's Hill, with which I was
perfectly familiar, and which was always considered a most
dangerous point for guerrilla attacks, all of a sudden there
rang out a command, "Halt! Who goes there?" Before
any one could answer, this young officer from the War De
partment spoke up and said : "I am an officer from the War
Department at Washington with important dispatches for
General Sheridan."

Immediately the escort was halted, whilst the orderly ser
geant and myself hurried forward. The sergeant said to
this young officer, "You stop right here. If there are any
questions to be answered, we will answer them ourselves.
You do not know what you are up against. If the men who
halted you are guerrillas, you and your dispatches from the
War Department will never reach General Sheridan."

Then the challenge came: "Dismount one, advance and
give the countersign." It fell to my lot to dismount and ad
vance with the countersign. I was very glad indeed when I
learned that the party who had halted us were our own men,
and that they were simply out on a scouting expedition. We
had no more trouble with our young officer. He seemed
now to understand conditions in an enemy's country which
he had never realized before. Some time after midnight we
reached General Sheridan's headquarters, and I never saw
our young officer again.

291

EXPERIENCE OF G. FRANK LIDY.

PRIVATE COMPANY G, WAYNESBORO, PA.

My first experience in the Civil War was at the battle of
Antietam, Maryland, September 17, 1862. I accidentally got
between the Union and Confederate lines close to the Burn-
side Bridge. I was placed in a very uncomfortable posi
tion. Being a citizen I had nothing to defend myself with.
I embraced the first opportunity to get to a place of safety.

My next experience was just before the battle of Gettys
burg, while I was on my way to Harrisburg, with a dozen
or more citizens, to enlist. We were captured by the Con
federate forces under command of General Early, near
Caledonia Furnace, but, through the personal influence of
General J. B. Gordon, we were paroled, not to take up arms
as long as they remained in Pennsylvania.

My first enlistment was in Company M of the Twenty-first
Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, in which regiment I served
for seven months.

My second enlistment was in August, 1864, when I be
came a member of Company G, Seventeenth Regiment, Penn
sylvania Volunteer Cavalry, from which I was discharged,
with the regiment at Clouds Mills, Va., June 16, 1865. I par
ticipated in the battle of Winchester, W. Va., and was one of
the detail that accompanied General Sheridan from Winches
ter to the front, October 19, 1864, being one of the fourteen
men that kept up with General Sheridan's famous black
horse, Rienzi. I followed the general all day and thus had
a good opportunity to observe the wonderful change among
the troops as General Sheridan rode along the lines.

I also accompanied the regiment on the Gordonsville Raid
in December, 1864, and was with the company on the morn
ing of December 23d, when we charged the enemy mounted,
and were repulsed. My horse was shot from under me, and
J made a very narrow escape, from being captured. Being
without a horse, I was compelled to keep up with the column
on foot all the way back to Winchester. Failing to keep
up with the column, meant to be captured by the guerrillas.

292

G. FRANK LIIJY.
Private, Company (i, VVaynesboro, Pa,

EXPERIENCE OF G. FRANK LIDY

While the regiment was in camp in the Loudon Valley,
near Lovettsville, on January 12, 1865 I was severely injured
and taken to the hospital where I was unconscious for fifty
hours. When I had sufficiently recovered, I was permitted
to return to camp where I was carefully nursed. Being
refused a furlough to go home, I took a " French furlough"
and went to my home at Waynesboro, Pa. As soon as my
wound permitted, I returned to my company, arriving just
the day before the regiment started on what proved to be the
last campaign of the war. Being without a horse I was sent
with the dismounted men to Pleasant Valley, Maryland-

The day after President Lincoln's assassination, we were
hurried to Port Tobacco, Maryland, to intercept the assassin,
who it was reported, was expected to cross the Potomac
River somewhere in that vicinity.

We returned to the dismounted camp at Pleasant Valley,
and remained there until after the regiment had returned
to Washington, when I again joined the regiment and was
regularly mustered out with the company.

293

SHERIDAN'S JAMES RIVER RAID.

The curtain now rose for the last act in the great drama
of the War of the Rebellion, and, until it finally dropped
at Appomattox, the men of the regiment were almost con
tinuously in the saddle. February 24, 1865, we left our
comfortable winter quarters at Lovettsville and marched to
Harper's Ferry where we bivouacked for the night. The
following day we marched to Winchester where we joined
the rest of the cavalry forces in the Shenandoah Valley, and
camped at Camp Russell. Here five days' rations, thirty
pounds of forage, and seventy-five rounds of ammunition
were issued to us. All the dismounted, sick, and surplus
camp equipage were sent to the rear. Reading between the
lines, this had a raidish appearance, and many different
opinions were expressed as to our destination.

February 27th, with General Philip H. Sheridan at the
head of the column, the entire cavalry force of the Shenan
doah Valley, started on a raid up that valley passing
through Newtown, Middletown, and Strasburg, and encamp
ing for the night, near Woodstock. The Sixth Pennsylvania
Cavalry was ordered to push forward, take possession of,
and prevent the destruction of the bridge across Stony Creek
at Edenburg. Early the following morning, February 28th,
the same regiment was hurried forward to Mt. Jackson to
seize and hold the bridge across the North Fork of the
Shenandoah River; but, before it arrived, the bridge had
been destroyed, and it became necessary to bring forward
the pontoons accompanying the expedition. As the stream
could not be forded at this place, the citizens, (who were
supposed to have destroyed the bridge during the night)
were quite hilarious in having, as they supposed, obstructed
our further advances. But when they saw how quickly the
pontoon bridge was constructed and how successfully the
entire command passed over the river, the people who wit
nessed it were amazed by the genius, and skill of the Yan
kees. During the construction of the bridge the column had

294

SHERIDAN'S JAMES RIVER RAID

halted just about long enough for the men to take a short
rest, cook their coffee, and eat a light luncheon.

We were now well advanced in the enemy's country, and
the Rebel cavalry frequently appeared in our front, rear
and flanks, but were usually driven off without much inter
ruption or serious loss. Our next camp was Lacey's Spring.
The following day we moved to Harrisonburg, where the
work of destruction of Confederate stores, etc., really com
menced. Commands were sent out in different directions
where Confederate government property was reported, to
destroy it. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with the
rest of the brigade, was sent to Swope's Station, and were
successful in destroying large quantities of quartermaster
and commissary supplies that were stored in barns, ware
houses, and in the railroad depot. These consisted princi
pally of boots, shoes, ham and bacon. The men usually
would appropriate anything they could use to advantage for
themselves, and then apply the match to everything else
which could help the Confederate cause.

March 3d, the command was again concentrated at
Waynesborough, where the railroad bridge and large quanti
ties of quartermaster stores were destroyed. We now cross
ed the Blue Ridge and encamped in the vicinity of Ivy Sta
tion, on the Virginia Central Railroad. The following day
the march was continued to Charlottesville, bridges, depots,
and Confederate stores wherever found being destroyed.
On this day our brigade brought up the rear and had charge
of the wagon train, and on account of the muddy roads and
the fatigued condition of many of the men and horses, we
experienced considerable difficulty in keeping up with the
column. Several teams had to be abandoned. It was quite
late in the night when the last team was corralled that day.
Because of the continued rains the roads over which we
passed became very soft and muddy, making it most dis
tressing for both the cavalry and heavy wagons to get
through ; and as the men were in the saddle almost day and
night for five or six days, General Sheridan deemed it ad
visable to take a few days' rest and allow the men and
horses to recuperate.

295

SHERIDAN'S JAMES RIVER RAID

We were told, that, when General George A. Custer
reached Charlottesville, on the afternoon of March 3d, he
was met by a deputation of the citizens of the town, head
ed by the mayor, who surrendered the town, formally hand
ing over the keys of the public buildings and of the Univer
sity of Virginia. I never heard the reason given for this
generous act. It was no doubt an indirect appeal for the
protection of their public property. Arriving at Charlottes
ville, our brigade, consisting of the Sixth, Ninth, and Fourth
New York, and the Seventeenth Pennsylvania, was sent
a short distance south of the town for the purpose of des
troying the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. This we did
most effectually. We demolished the road for a distance
of several miles, burning the ties and heating and bending
the rails; we also burned two large bridges. This work
was done by the men dismounted while the horses were
resting in camp.

Here, too, we gathered more supplies than we could use,
so the surplus was turned over to the colored people who fol
lowed the column, variously estimated at from fifteen hun
dred to two thousand in number. They seemed astonished
at the liberality of the Lincoln soldiers, and were profuse in
expressions of gratitude, such as "The good Lord bless you,
massa; we didn't have ham before since the war begun."
In return for these donations, these colored people render
ed valuable services in lifting wagons out of the mud and
pushing them along when all other means failed. Without
their assistance these teams never would have kept up with
the column. Here, too, the command was supplied with
seven days' rations of coffee, sugar and salt.

Early in the morning of March 6th, the entire command
left Charlottesville, moving in two columns in different direc
tions : the First Division to Scottsville, the Second Division
along the Lynchburg Railroad. The Seventeenth Pennsyl
vania, as a part of the First Division and Second Brigade,
participated in and did its share of the work of destroying
mills, factories, forges and Confederate stores of various
kinds, and also in destroying locks, aqueducts, culverts,
boats and other property of the James River Canal. The

296

SHERIDAN'S JAMES RIVER RAID

work of destruction was prosecuted with great vigor, both
officers and men working with great energy, marching over
the worst possible roads and toiling early and late, under
many disadvantages, so as to do the greatest amount of
damage in the shortest possible time. It was not until 10
p. m. that night that the regiment went into camp at Scotts-
ville. General Wesley Merritt, the corps commander, in
referring to the operations of this campaign, says : "Great
credit is due General Thomas C. Devin and his brigade
commanders for their untiring zeal in carrying out the or
ders given them at this time."

March 7th, we crossed the James River Canal and, strik
ing off to the right, marched to New Market, following the
river road. Near Warminster we destroyed the lock at
that point. During the night the Sixth and Seventeenth
Pennsylvania were ordered to proceed, at a rapid gait, to
take possession of the bridge across the James River at
Duiguidsville and endeavor to hold that approach to the
south bank of the river. Every exertion was made to ac
complish the end desired ; but, before we arrived, the bridge
was fired to prevent our crossing at that point.

March 8th, the Second Brigade of the First Division was
ordered to proceed without delay to Columbia, if possible
to reach that place by daylight the next morning, and to re
main there until further orders, holding the place and send
ing back all the information possible regarding the move
ments of the enemy in that section. We started at twelve
O'clock, noon, and reached Scottsville just about seven
o'clock, halted one hour to rest, cook coffee and feed; and
then, in a heavy rain storm and through heavy, muddy
roads, we pushed on, at the greatest possible speed, reach
ing Columbia, a distance of fifty-six miles, which was made
in seventeen hours. This was a most severe march, owing
to the rain and muddy roads. Arriving at Columbia, sev
eral strong scouting parties were at once sent out in differ
ent directions to reconnoiter. These returned, in the even
ing, without having met any Confederate troops. If my
memory serve me correctly, a company of either the Sixth
or Ninth New York was also sent back over the route by

297

SHERIDAN'S JAMES RIVER RAID

which we came, with despatches to General Merritt inform
ing him of our operations. Colonel Charles S. Fitzhugh,
commanding the brigade, in his official report, says :

"Arriving at Columbia, strong scouting parties were at
once sent out on the Richmond and Palmyra roads, and a
party sent back to acquaint General Merritt with the pro
gress of the brigade. This party captured two Rebels, with
horses, arms and equipments, near Scottsville. The detach
ment on the Richmond Road, fifteen men and one officer,
proceeded to Cartersville, eleven miles down the river, to
the site of the old bridge, and returned at night without
seeing the enemy. The information obtained by this de
tachment, as well as that sent to Palmyra, was all to the
effect that Fitzhugh Lee's division of cavalry was south of
the James River, marching toward Columbia in anticipation
of our crossing there. According to orders received from
General Merritt, there was no destruction of property at
Columbia, with the exception of breaching the canal. The
brigade remained at Columbia until the arrival of the rest
of the cavalry on the loth of March, and then destroyed
two naval camps in the vicinity, containing the following
property : One valuable steam engine, a great number of
workmen's tools and a large amount of dressed timber."

General Sheridan's plan evidently was to cross the James
River somewhere between Duiguidsville and Goochland, but
the continued heavy rains and spring freshets made the
river too high to be forded, while he did not have sufficient
pontoons to span it. All the bridges in that section of the
country had been destroyed by the enemy, and so the gen
eral's original plan was frustrated. General Sheridan now
changed his plans, and, on the I2th of March, the entire
command left the James River, moving in an easterly direc
tion, and struck the Virginia Central Railroad in the vicin
ity of Tollersville, where we bivouacked for the night. The
following day, almost the entire force was at once set to
work destroying the railroad, tearing up the ties, putting
them on piles, placing the iron rails on top, and then firing
the pile. By this process, the rails, becoming heated, would
bend and were rendered useless. On the I3th, we marched

298

SHERIDAN'S JAMES RIVER RAID

to Beaver Dam Station; on the I4th, to Taylorsville ; I5th,
to Mount Carmel Church; i6th, to Mangohick Church;
1 7th, to King William Court House; and on the i8th, cross
ed the Pamunkey River and went into camp near the White
House, where we found an abundance of rations for the
men and forage for the horses.

This campaign was by far the hardest and most arduous
the regiment had yet experienced. The almost ceaseless
rains for twenty days and nights, the swollen streams and
well-nigh bottomless roads, presented difficulties almost in
surmountable. But Sheridan and his brave men were equal
to every emergency. Large quantities of the enemy's sub
sistence were destroyed and the Virginia Central Railroad
and the James River Canal, two of the enemy's chief lines
of transportation, were greatly disabled.

Sheridan's command now remained in camp for seven
days, receiving a much needed rest. During this time there
was a general inspection of both men and horses. The en
feebled men were sent to hospitals for treatment, many
horses were condemned, all the dismounted men were sent
to City Point to be 'remounted, and other necessary changes
were made preparatory to a continued active campaign.
Here, too, the Second Division of the Cavalry Corps, now
commanded by General George Crook, was reunited with
the corps and placed under the command of General Sheri
dan.

March 25th, the entire Cavalry Corps marched to Harri
son's Landing on the James River. The following day,
March 26th, we crossed the river at Deep Bottom and con
tinued the march to Hancock Station. While we were
crossing the river on a pontoon bridge, President Lincoln
and General Grant had taken a steamer, moved up the river
and witnessed our crossing.

March 28th, we drew a full supply of rations, forage and
ammunition. This invariably indicated an important move
ment.

299

EXPERIENCE OF PRIVATE A. SHOCKEY,

Of Company G, at the Battle of Gordonsville, Va.,
December 23, 1864.

Lieutenant H. C. Bonebrake,

My dear Comrade : It is with some reluctance that I re
spond to your request for my experience at the Battle of
Gordonsville, Va., December 23, 1864. I really dislike to
say anything about my military record. The diary which
I kept is written in lead pencil. I find much of it faded or
rubbed out. Although the battle of Gordonsville was fought
forty-four years ago, I have a very distinct recollection of
some things that occurred at the time ; and not only of that
particular battle, but of other incidents on the Gordonsville
expedition.

We left camp near Winchester and moved direct to Stras-
burg, W. Va., across the mountain into eastern Virginia,
arriving at Madison Court House on December 21, 1864,
and crossing the Rapidan River early in the evening. We
bivouacked for the night about nine miles from Madison
Court House. The weather was very inclement. There was
a heavy snow blizzard and it was very cold. We passed a
cheerless night near the Rapidan River. The following
morning, December 23d, dawned clear, but intensely cold,
with high winds. The command moved early in the morn
ing in the direction of Gordonsville. When we approached
the Southwest Mountains we saw the smoke of the enemy's
camp fires above the tree tops. A short time after we heard
skirmishing and we were hurried to the front. We discover
ed the enemy near the edge of a heavy timbered woods. It
was evident that we were to assault them in a notch of the
mountain on the left of the public road. After we had
formed in line of battle and had advanced a short distance,
we were confronted by a rail fence and were halted a short
time to get down at least portions of it so we could get across.
We again advanced, and, when we had reached on open
field, we made a headlong dash in an attempt to dislodge

300

EXPERIENCE OF PRIVATE SHOCKEY

the enemy. They evidently expected us and were prepared,
for they opened on us with a rattling fire of musketry.
Fourteen horses went down in the charge in our company
alone, and a number of men were wounded and missing.

We could go no further ; there was no hope of success as
the repulse was complete. My horse was one of those that
went down, and, as he fell on his side, he gave me a hard
fall on the frozen ground. He regained his feet, whilst I
held on to the rein and my carbine. But an attempt to re
mount there and then, meant to be shot down instantly. My
horse, too, became unmanageable, and I had to let go the
bridle rein ; so he scampered off and I never saw him again.
The only thing I could do to avoid the shot of the Rebels
was to lie flat on the ground and crawl to a depression a
short distance away. In this place I was joined by William
Cooper and Sergeant David Royer of my company, the
latter badly wounded. Conditions were such that I could
not examine his wounds carefully. I could not tell where
the ball struck him, but he was bleeding freely, his clothing
being saturated with blood ; and he soon became very weak.
We were in short range of the enemy, who were hidden by
a barricade. We could hear their voices in ordinary conver
sation, and the report of a rifle and the whiz of the bullets
were simultaneous.

I expressed a determination to take the risk of exposure
and run to the rear in hopes of reaching our line. The dying
man by my side pleaded earnestly for me not to desert him
in his distress. I explained to him that in any event we would
be separated. About this time our line had reformed and
was again advancing dismounted. We were now between
the two fires which were extremely hot, making the risk too
great to come out of our depression and join our forces at
that time. Our line was again repulsed and fell back. The
firing now weakened on both sides. This I regarded as my
last opportunity to regain our lines. I took Comrade Royer
by the hand and bade him good-by forever, sprang to my feet
and ran with all my might, for my life. A volley was fired
after me as I made my way over the hill. I had to cross a
brook partly covered with ice. I then had to crawl again on

301

20— 17th R.

EXPERIENCE OF PRIVATE SHOCKEY

the ground, and in climbing over a fence, was again exposed
to the fire of the enemy. I continued to hug the ground un
til I was out of range, and soon again mingled with the
boys who rejoiced on account of my miraculous escape and
safe return.

Soon after my return another man was seen running
toward our line and making excellent time. It proved to be
William Cooper who had watched me and concluded to try
the same trick ; and he, too, succeeded. That we both reach
ed our lines in safety has always been regarded by us as
providential. Almost immediately after our escape, the
Confederate line advanced. Our regiment was driven back,
and all the men who had remained on the hillside were taken
prisoners. It was later discovered that Sergeant David
Royer was shot in the groin, and taken to a Confederate
hospital near Gordonsville where he died the following day.
After the war his remains were brought home and buried
near Waynesboro, Pa.

302

REGIMENTAL BAND.

At the beginning of the war almost every regiment that
reported for service was accompanied by a brass band. While
brass bands were considered essential for dress parade,
guard mount, reviews and other special occasions, they
were generally regarded at army headquarters as an ex
pensive luxury. And so, when application was made for a
regimental band for the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsyl
vania Cavalry, the idea was not favorably received. Con
tinued requests, however, finally resulted in a compromise
that, if the musicians were selected from the enlisted men
of the regiment, without expense to the government, the
application would be approved, which was done. The officers
of the regiment at once made sufficient contributions to pur
chase the necessary instruments, and a permanent detail
of fifteen men was made who composed the Seventeenth
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry Band. Professor
J. F. Whittington, of Philadelphia, Pa., an accomplished
musician, was appointed leader and instructor, and soon the
regiment had the proud satisfaction of having one of the
best bands in the Cavalry Corps, its services being much
in demand.

The band was a valuable adjunct to the regiment, es
pecially for dressparade, guardmount, and reviews, and
accomplished much in relieving the monotony of camp life.
When we take into consideration how much money is spent
in our large cities and towns for concerts, balls, parades and
entertainments of various kinds, I venture the opinion that
the men who exchanged all home comforts and social amuse
ments for the hardships of a soldier's life, were justly en
titled to be furnished with a reasonable amount of patriotic
music to inspire their patriotism and nerve them for the
sterner music of cannon, musketry, minnie balls and the
bursting shells. The inspiring music of "Yankee Doodle,"
"Hail Columbia," "Marching Through Georgia," "John
Brown's Body," "All Quiet along the Potomac," "Tenting

303

REGIMENTAL BAND

on the Old Camp Ground," and songs of that kind, put the
fighting spirit into the boys in blue, just the same as "Dixie,"
and "My Maryland," inspirited the boys who wore the gray.

True, the band did not go into battle and charge the
enemy, but their sweet and patriotic music in camp was a
helpful relief in the frequent despondency of the men, and
in awakening tender memories of home and friends.

I recall very distinctly an incident that occurred in the
cavalry fight at Meadow Bridge, in front of Richmond, Va.,
where the playing of the Star Spangled Banner immediately
in the rear of the line of battle evidently averted a great
disaster. In order that the importance of this battle may be
more fully understood the following prelude may be of
interest. While General Grant was fighting General Lee in
the Wilderness, General Sheridan, with his entire Cavalry
Corps, made a detour around General Lee's army, cut his
communication with Richmond, and made a forced march
threatening the Confederate capital. At Yellow Tavern,
about six miles from Richmond, Sheridan met the Confeder
ate cavalry in full force, and, in an engagement, completely
routed them, killing their commander, General J. E. B.
Stewart. During the following night the march in the di
rection of Richmond was continued with very little opposi
tion to within about three miles of the city. Its lights were
plainly visible to the Union troopers, the ringing of bells
could be distinctly heard whilst other evidences were seen
and heard that there was intense excitement in the city.
About five thousand troops in the vicinity of Richmond had
been hurriedly concentrated during the night to resist this
sudden invasion. These with the Rebel cavalry, although
badly defeated the previous day, together with the strong
fortification, made it impracticable for Sheridan to enter the
city. Sheridan now turned the head of his column in the
direction of Meadow Bridge to cross the Chickahominy
River. When the bridge was reached, it had been destroy
ed, and the Rebel cavalry, with temporary breastworks, post
ed on the opposite side of the river. The ground was too
marshy in the vicinity to effect a crossing except by the
regular roadbed leading over the bridge. General Merritt

304

REGIMENTAL BAND

commanding the First Division was ordered to take his en
tire division to repair the bridge and effect a crossing, with
instructions that it must be done at all hazard. While the
pioneers were repairing the bridge they were constantly
fired upon by the enemy on the opposite side of the river.

The work was slow and dangerous. In the meantime all
the Confederate forces that could be mustered came out of
the city and were hurled against Sheridan's rear. Before
overwhelming numbers our brave troops were forced to
fall back. Sheridan's soldiers were thus placed in a most
perilous position. They could not advance until the bridge
had been built, whilst his rear was pressed so hard
that he was likely to be crushed any moment. It was un
der these circumstances that a band was ordered to play
the Star Spangled Banner. The music was answered with
a shout along the entire line. The whole Cavalry Corps went
wild with enthusiasm. The lines were reformed, and with
Generals Wilson and Gregg at the head of their respective
divisions, the troops swooped down upon the enemy like a
cyclone, breaking their lines and forcing them back into
their entrenchments. Almost simultaneously with this
movement, the work of repairing the bridge was completed
and the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry with the Ninth
New York Cavalry charged over the temporary structure,
dislodged the enemy on the other side of the river, and
Sheridan was master of the situation. It was generally con
ceded that the playing of the Star Spangled Banner on the
field of battle, at that time, was the turning point which re
sulted in that splendid victory.

Numerous other instances might be given where music
was a prominent factor on the field of battle, as well as in
refreshing the spirits of the men in camp after long and
weary marches, and in contributing in no small degree to
wards maintaining a high standard of military discipline.
And now, after a lapse of forty-five years and more, I fancy
I see the old Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer
Cavalry drawn up in line of dressparade, twelve hundred
strong, with our mounted band sounding off, a beautiful
sight to see indeed. Then again I fancy I hear the evening

305

REGIMENTAL BAND

concerts by the band at regimental headquarters, that were
so much enjoyed and cheered by the men. Too much praise
cannot be given to our band for the very efficient manner
in which they performed their duties frequently under ad
verse and trying circumstances.

A FEW INCIDENTS.

" SADDLE YOUR HORSES DOUBLE QUICK/'

On a certain occasion, Company E of the regiment was
detailed to report. to brigade headquarters for special picket
duty. A staff officer accompanied the company to the des
tination. After the picket line and reserve post had been
established, the men who were not on duty were ordered to
go into camp, unsaddle their horses and cook supper. While
in the act of feeding the horses and preparing supper, there
were three shots fired in rapid succession by one of the out
post pickets. The captain heard the shots, and thinking that
the picket had been fired upon by the enemy, immediately
gave the command, "Attention, men, saddle your horses
double quick." This was an unusual command, not quite
according to military tactics, but the men understood it. The
bugler also sounded ''Boots and Saddles," and for about ten
minutes there was great excitement in the camp. The cap
tain at once sent a messenger to the outpost where the shots
had been fired, to ascertain the cause of the firing. About
the time the company was ready to move to the support of
the vedette, the messenger returned and reported that the
shooting was a false alarm. The captain, however, with a
small escort, visited the outpost and learned that a pretty
good sized "razorback" had been the victim of the shooting.
Possibly the author ought to explain what is meant by a
"razorback." A "razorback" is a species of southern hog,
so called because of its sharp back, and shaped somewhat
like a razor. Other characteristics of the species are long
legs, large head and extra long snout. The long snout seems
specially adapted for rooting in the ground. Evidently from
this species of hog originated the old axiom, "Root hog or
die."

The captain mildly reprimanded the vedette for his. reck
less shooting, to which he replied, "Captain, I have not tast
ed fresh pork for a long time, and when the opportunity
came to get some, I could not resist the temptation, and be
fore the darn thing would get out of carbine reach I fired
the shots."

307

A FEW INCIDENTS

A little later an unofficial detail visited the outpost and
brought the prize into camp. It is needless to say that the
boys enjoyed their dinner immensely the following day.
The captain was not forgotten in the distribution. " Saddle
your horses double quick" became a byword among the boys
in the company during the remaining time of its service.

INCIDENT WHILE ON PICKET DUTY.

The author recalls an incident that occurred while the
brigade was on a reconnoitering expedition in the Loudon
Valley in W. Va. When, on a certain occasion, the regi
ment went into camp late at night, the author and a few
other comrades were sent out about half a mile from camp
to picket a public road. Daylight next morning revealed
the fact that we were stationed near a residence which gave
evidence of much wealth. A few of us rode up to the house
and were met by an elderly lady and her daughter. They
said they had not seen any Yankee soldiers before and seem
ed to regard us with suspicion. We engaged them in con
versation and they told us that the father and two sons were
in the Confederate army, and that with the exception of one
old slave, all the rest of their negroes had left them and no
one was left to do the work. They said, too, that they were
almost starving; that the prices for the necessities of life
were so high that they could not afford to buy them. They
said they lived principally on poultry, eggs and milk. While
they said they were thoroughly tired of the war, they ex
pressed strong faith in the Confederate cause, and were
very confident they would win in the end. They admitted
that they were beaten at Gettysburg, but hoped that they
would be more successful next time. They expressed the
opinion that the leaders on both sides were to blame, and
that the common people were sick and tired of the war. The
young lady suggested that the men who were responsible for
the war ought to be locked up in a room together and made
to fight it out among themselves. To jolly them a little, we
concurred in the suggestion, which seemed to please them
very much. After being served with some milk, for which
compensation was refused, we doffed our caps and with a

308

A FEW INCIDENTS

military salute we left them. The above is a fair sample
cf how the Southern people felt, how they fared and the
conditions which obtained generally during the Civil War.

A STRANGE INCIDENT.

During one of the engagements at Brandy Station, the
regiment was supporting a battery in action. Because the
men were very much exposed to the fire of the enemy, they
were ordered to dismount and stand to horse. While in
this position, Sergeant - — , who usually carried a

supply of tobacco which he sold to the men, went to his
saddlebag to get some tobacco for one of the men. Almost
the very second he changed his position a shell struck his
horse, killing it instantly and scattering the tobacco in
every direction. Such of the equipments as were saved
were gathered up, the tobacco sold was delivered and the
incident treated as an ordinary occurrence. The sergeant
went to the rear, but in less than an hour he was back again
and took his place in the line as though nothing unusual had
happened. He obtained a horse from one of the men who
had gone to the rear sick. This is only a sample of many
similar incidents of narrow escapes in engagements which
were regarded as providential rather than accidental. There
were other escapes even more remarkable which have never
found a place in history.

A NARROW ESCAPE.

John Wise, a member of Company E, the author's bunk-
mate, had a narrow escape of his life. While fighting on
the skirmish line dismounted, his carbine became hot and
refused to work, which was nothing unusual. While he was
in a stooping position, with his one knee on the ground
and his carbine resting on the other knee, with his head in
a declining position adjusting his carbine, a bullet from the
enemy passed through his cap, right over the center of his
forehead, making a slight scalp wound. Had he stood erect
at the time, he would have been killed instantly.

309

GRANT'S FINAL CAMPAIGN.

The news of President Lincoln's visit to General Grant at
City Point, in March, 1865, spread rapidly among the
troops, and was construed to mean that plans were being dis
cussed for active operations of the Army of the Potomac.
This, however, seems to have been an erroneous impression
as it is reported that General Grant said to one of his
staff officers about that time, that "The President is one
of the few visitors I have had who has not attempted to ex
tract from me a knowledge of my plans. He not only never
asked them, but said it was better he should not know them
and then he can be certain to keep the secret."

On the morning of March 29, 1865, General Grant bade
good-by to the President, and started from City Point for
the front. Headquarters for the night were established at
the junction of the Vaughn and Boynton Roads. Here Gen
eral Sheridan met General Grant on the morning of March
3Oth, and had a long interview, at which time, it is said,
the plans of the campaign were fully detailed. General
Grant's entire army was now in motion, but the heavy
rains and the densely wooded and swampy country pre
vented rapid movements, as it was with great difficulty that
the artillery and heavy wagons could be moved.

On the 29th of March, the entire Cavalry Corps moved
in a southerly direction to Ream's Station and thence west
ward to Dinwiddie Court House where it met the enemy
in force. The infantry support, the Fifth Corps, under
command of General G. K. Warren, was slow in following
and giving it the expected support. Dinwiddie Court House
was evidently a strategic point, as five roads from as many
different directions centered here. Seemingly both armies
were headed in the direction of Dinwiddie Court House.
General Sheridan having arrived first, and his infantry not
having arrived yet, he at once made preparation to. defend
the place until the Fifth Corps could be brought to his sup
port.

310

GRANT'S FINAL CAMPAIGN

General Thomas C. Devin's division covered the Five
Forks Road, while the several other commands covered
other approaches. While General Sheridan was determined
to hold Dinwiddie Court House, the Confederate forces
were equally determined to hold Five Forks, possibly, to
the Confederate army, equally as important a position.
When a reconnoissance by General Devin's division was
made in the direction of Five Forks, it was discovered
that the enemy had constructed temporary breastworks in a
heavily timbered grove, and were determined to hold the
place. The regiment made several charges, first mounted,
and later dismounted, but failed to dislodge them. Later
Generals Merritt, and Devin, Colonels Fitzhugh and Dur-
land, with some other officers, were seen, almost in our
immediate rear, in consultation, when it was decided to
dismount the men and again advance the entire line. Cap
tain J. S. Sponsler, of Company F, of our regiment, who
was near enough to hear the order, hurried to his men and
said: "You can all get ready for another walk down to
the woods," meaning the same works, they had charged
before. The charge was ordered, and again we were re
pulsed, this time with fearful losses. At least forty men
of the regiment that walked to the woods on that after
noon never walked back again.

It was about this time that General Sheridan appeared
on the field and, seeing our men coming back, he rushed
in the midst of the retiring troops and cried out "Where
is my flag?" The sergeant who carried the flag rode up
to him, when Sheridan seized the flag, waved it above his
head, cheered on the men and made great efforts to rally
them and close up the ranks. Bullets were flying thick
and fast, one pierced the general's flag, one killed the ser
geant who had carried the flag, another wounded Captain
McGormigle, and others struck several of General Sheri
dan's staff officers. General Sheridan now dashed from
one point of the line to another, waving his flag and en
couraging the men, and the lines were reformed. The
enemy now came out of the breastwork, and advanced upon
our line, no doubt expecting to drive us from the field

GRANT'S FINAL CAMPAIGN

and thus get possession of Dinwiddie Court House. But
their assault was not only repulsed, but, simultaneously the
order was given for a counter charge. With rousing cheers,
General Sheridan's troopers dashed forward, this time
sweeping everything before them. Outside of the intrench-
ments our men had at least an equal chance for a square
fight. On and on they rushed with a desperation that
gave the enemy no chance even to reform their lines be
hind their own intrenchments, showing that our men were
determined to repay them for the heavy losses they had in
flicted upon us in our several previous charges. About one
thousand prisoners were captured.

The enthusiasm of our men on this occasion was largely
due to the presence of Generals Sheridan, Merritt, Devin
and other officers, who rode along the line and encouraged
them. The repulse and advance was sharp, quick and un
questionably decisive; and as the enemy retired even a con
siderable distance beyond the woods from which they had
so boisterously advanced a short time before, all danger of
driving General Sheridan's cavalry disappeared. In this
assault, however, General Devin's division became too far
advanced and exposed its flanks. Being cut off from a
direct retreat, it was compelled to make a wide detour to
get back to the main body of the Cavalry Corps. The fol
lowing day there were several reconnoissances by the cav
alry, and it took nearly all day for General Sheridan to
complete his plans for a general attack. Two divisions of
the Fifth Corps formed the center of the line, one division
with a brigade of cavalry, formed on the enemy's right flank,
while the remainder of the Cavalry Corps began the at
tack by striking the enemy's left flank. This attack was
followed by a general advance along the entire line. The
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with other regiments,
advanced dismounted, driving back the enemy's right flank
without much resistance. Evidently the Confederates were
not prepared for this flank assault, and soon their
entire line left the trenches and was in full
retreat. Many threw down their arms and volun
tarily surrendered. General Sheridan estimated his

312

GRANT'S FINAL CAMPAIGN

loss in this engagement at about one thousand, while the
enemy's loss was estimated at from three to four thousand.
The decisive character of this victory must have been most
distressing to General Lee. That portion of his army with
which he no doubt expected to cover his retreat and pro
tect his supply trains was badly defeated and greatly de
moralized.

The following day General Sheridan pushed forward
his cavalry to near the White Oak Road, where he made
a short halt for the Fifth Corps to come up. In the mean
time the cavalry were reconnoitering in different directions,
watching the enemy's movements. General Sheridan was
now threatening Lee's rear, and, on April 2d, our division
(Devin's) again encountered a considerable force of the
Confederate cavalry, which was driven from the field, so
that we came in possession of the South Side Railroad and
destroyed as much of the track as was possible during the
short time we remained. In the meantime many wagons
and much artillery, that were abandoned by the hasty re
treat of the enemy fell into our hands. During the night
the Fifth Corps had again arrived within reasonable sup
porting distance, and, early on the morning of April 3d,
we were again in the saddle, still following the retreating
enemy, engaging them wherever they took a stand. The
indications now were that Lee was concentrating his army
in the vicinity of Jettersville or Burkeville on the Richmond
and Danville Railroad. This information was obtained
by General Sheridan from a suspicious-looking man who
rode into his lines, on whom, on being searched, was found,
in his boots, a telegram in duplicate from General Lee's
commissary general : — "This army is at Amelia Court House,
short of rations. Send three hundred thousand rations
quickly to Burkeville Junction."

It was construed by General Sheridan that General George
Crook, who had been sent in the direction of the Richmond
and Danville Railroad to cut Lee's communication, had
succeeded in cutting the wires, hence the attempt to send
the message by messenger. Upon this information General
Sheridan issued forced marching orders for his command to

313

GRANT'S FINAL CAMPAIGN

concentrate at Burkeville. General Sheridan, too, was quite
anxious to capture the supply trains that were reported en-
route somewhere in Lee's rear, so he directed Major H.
H. Young, his chief of scouts, to send four of his men to
Burkeville Junction, two of them to take the road toward
Danville and two toward Lynchburg. As soon as a tele
graph station was reached a telegram was to be transmitted
to hurry forward the provision trains. It would be most
interesting to know what success these scouts had, but
a careful examination of the various official reports of the
army about this time fail to make further mention of them.
Late in the afternoon the Fifth Corps arrived, relieved the
cavalry, and entrenched itself across the Burkeville Roacl
which indicated a determination to hold the place until the
main army should come up. Early the following morning,
April 4th, the cavalry was put in motion, reconnoitering-in
different directions looking for the enemy. Our division,
(General Devin's) demonstrating in the direction of Amelia
Court House, had several skirmishes, evidently intended to
ascertain the enemy's location and strength without bring
ing on a general engagement. On April 5th, we reached
Tettersville where we located the enemy in force. Here the
cavalry were relieved by the Sixth Corps. During the
same day General Henry E. Davie's brigade of General
George Crook's division made a reconnoissance to Panes
Crossroads, some distance north of Jettersville, and suc
ceeded in destroying a Confederate supply train of several
hundred wagons, including General Lee's headquarter
wagons.

On the morning of April 6th, the cavalry started in the
direction of Rice's Station, and before long another supply
train of the Confederate army was discovered. While we
had a fairly good view of at least a portion of this train,
and were eager to capture the same, it was strongly guarded
so that in our first attempt we were repulsed. But we kept
on their flank, watching for a favorable opportunity, which
occurred at the crossing of Sailor's Creek, where the strong
guard of the train was driven off and we captured some
fifteen pieces of artillery, about two hundred wagons and

GRANT'S FINAL CAMPAIGN

a considerable number of prisoners. About this time, too,
General Sheridan was informed by one of his scouts that
several trains, loaded with provisions, were waiting at Ap-
pomattox Station for Lee's army. It is said that the report
of this scout largely shaped the events of the two closing
days of the campaign. It showed the direction in which
General Lee's army was going. The cavalry were imme
diately pushed forward to that point with all possible speed.
General George A. Custer's division was in the advance,
and, about midnight of April 7th, it reached Appomattox
Station, captured the trains and sent them to the rear. Thus
the provisions so much needed for General Lee's almost
starving army, fell into the hands of our cavalry.

The advance of the Confederate army's retreat had just
reached that point a few hours before and gone into camp.
So sudden and effective was this midnight attack that the
camp was completely routed and a large number of wagons,
and some twenty-five pieces of artillery that had just been
packed for the night, were also captured. General Sheri
dan's cavalry had now cut across the line of General Lee's
retreat, and every possible means was employed, with the
then available troops, to harass the further advance of
the Confederate army until the infantry could be brought
up. A line of defense was established. Our division
(Devin's) was formed on the right of General Custer's
line, and one brigade of General Crook's division on the
left, while the other two brigades were held in reserve.
The captured trains were taken charge of by some of Gen
eral Custer's men who had been locomotive engineers who
amused themselves by running the trains backward and for
ward and blowing the steam whistles. This created the
wildest enthusiasm among the men and much cheering was
indulged in. As soon as the infantry had come up and were
placed in position, General Sheridan ordered an advance
and the enemy was forced back some three or four miles.

On the night of April 8th, General Sheridan had estab
lished his headquarters at a small frame house not far
from Appomattox Station. No one slept that night. Gen
erals Merritt, Crook, Devin, Custer, and other prominent

315

GRANT'S FINAL CAMPAIGN

officers were frequently at Sheridan's headquarters. There
were all sorts of rumors that General Lee was about to
surrender and everybody was jubilant. General Sheridan
was now squarely astride the enemy's retreat and all that
was necessary was to hold the place he then occupied until
the infantry could be brought to his support. The im
portance of getting the infantry up was so obvious now
that one staff officer after the other was sent to push for
ward the Sixth Corps with the greatest possible speed.
After an all night march the Sixth Corps arrived about sun
rise and immediately formed in the rear of the dismounted
cavalry who had held the enemy in check up to this time.
After the infantry line was formed, the cavalry retired,
mounted their horses and continued the line on the right
flank. The cavalry's withdrawal evidently encouraged the
Confederates, who began to press forward with a deter
mination to cut their way through our lines. The as
sault was not only repulsed but followed with a counter
charge, forcing the gray line back in confusion, and before
they had time to reform their line, General Sheridan formed
Devin's and Custer's divisions to charge their left flank.

About this time a staff officer galloped up to General
Sheridan with orders not to charge that "Lee has surren
dered; the white flag is up." General Sheridan at once
hurried staff officers to the several commands that were
about ready to charge, notifying them of the suspension of
hostilities; and immediately himself, with his staff and a
small escort, rode over to the court-house to join a group of
Confederate officers. On the way across the ravine some
South Carolina cavalry continued firing after having been
notified by General John B. Gordon to cease firing. Colonel
Geary, who was in command, replied: "I do not care for
white flags ; South Carolinans never surrender " Soon, how
ever, all firing ceased. The rumor that General Lee had
surrendered spread rapidly among the troops. The rumor
gathered strength ; no one seemed to know definitely. While
recent events evidenced an early termination of the war, the
end came so suddenly that the men did not know whether
to believe it or not. Naturally there was cheering and

GRANT'S FINAL CAMPAIGN

demonstrations of various kinds by some of the men ; while
others who took a more sober view of the situation, would
say : "Can it be possible that the war is now over ? No more
fighting, no more marching, no more picket duty, it is all
over." Men could hardly realize that it was true. During
the afternoon our brigade was ordered to go into camp.
All sorts of opinions were expressed as to what terms Gen
eral Grant was going to offer and what General Lee would
be obliged to accept. The men went to sleep that night
with strong hopes that the conference between Generals
Grant and Lee then pending, would terminate favorably.
When, the following morning, we were assured that Lee's
surrender had been effected, there was much rejoicing and
congratulations, and the thought of soon being at home
with our loved ones cheered us greatly.

And now that we have reached the final act of the great
Civil War, the reader will no doubt be interested to know
the terms proposed by General Grant and accepted by Gen
eral Lee for the surrender of the Army of Northern Virgi
nia. The following is a synopsis of the terms proposed oy
General Grant, viz. :

"Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate ;
one copy to be given to an officer to be disignated by me,
the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you
may designate. The officers to give their individual paroles
not to take up arms against the Government of the United
States until properly exchanged ; and each company or regi
mental commander to sign a like parole for the men of their
commands. The arms, artillery and public property to be
packed and stacked and turned over to the officers appointed
by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side
arms of the officers, nor their private horses or baggage.
This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to
his home not to be disturbed by the United States authority
so long as they obey their paroles and the laws in force
where they may reside."

To these terms General Lee, addressing General Grant,
replied : —

3*7

21— 17th R.

GRANT'S FINAL CAMPAIGN

"I received your letter of this date, containing the terms
of surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia as proposed
by you. As they are substantially the same as those ex
pressed in your letter of the 8th instant, they are accepted.
I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the
stipulations into effect."

"April 9, 1865."

It was later ascertained that of the one hundred and fifty
thousand men whose names were borne on the muster rolls
of General Lee's army a few weeks before, only twenty-
eight thousand three hundred and fifty-six officers and men
were paroled, thus showing the large number of men who
were either killed, wounded, or captured, or who had de
serted Lee's army. The surrender was now an assured
fact, and the alternating hopes and fears of the past twenty-
four hours found expression in repeated cheers such as
only victorious soldiers can give. We were now admonish
ed not to be too profuse in our demonstrations — to use no
insulting language or offensive epithets to the prisoners.
Many of General Lee's devoted followers now crowded
around their chieftain to grasp his hand and give him a
parting cheer. There were tears in their eyes, and the
parting was a sad one. Finally General Lee composed him
self and said : — "Men, we have fought through it all together.
I have done the best I could." Orders were immediately
issued to give food to our prisoners, many of whom had been
deprived of their rations for three or four days. In the
meantime many of our men hastened to divide their rations
with their late enemies to stay their hunger till provision
could be drawn for them.

AFTER GENERAL LEE'S SURRENDER.

April loth, General Sheridan with his cavalry started for
Petersburg. Arriving at Nottoway Court House, the news
reached us of the assassination of President Lincoln. This
dastardly act stirred the men greatly and they were pre
pared for any emergency. After a short rest at Petersburg,
General Sheridan received orders to march his cavalry and
the Sixth Corps to Greensboro, N. C, to aid General Sher-

318

GRANT'S FINAL CAMPAIGN

man in capturing the Confederate army under General
Johnson. We left Petersburg April 24th, and had reached
South Boston on the 29th, where General Sheridan received
a despatch from General Halleck at Washington, D. C, in
forming him that General Johnson had surrendered. General
Sheridan returned with his command to Petersburg.

On May loth, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry,
with other cavalry commands, started on its last march, viz.,
from Petersburg to Washington, D. C. We crossed the
James River, passed through the city of Richmond, out
the Brook Turnpike and went into camp on the same ground
we had fought over just one year before. May nth, we cross
ed the South Anna River at Ground Squirrel Bridge. May
1 2th, we passed through Taylorsville. May I3th, we
crossed the Rapidan River at Racoon Ford. May I4th,
passed through Stevensburg and Brandy Station and crossed
the Rappahannock River at Kelly's Ford. May I5th, march
ed through Fairfax Court House. Here we received the
news of the capture of the President of the Southern Con
federacy, Jefferson Davis. May i6th, we marched to near
Alexandria and remained in camp for a few days. May
2 ist, marched across the Long Bridge and through Mary
land Avenue and went into camp near Bladensburg. May
22d, the day was spent cleaning up and getting ready for
the Grand Review in the City of Washington the following
day. May 23d, early in the morning, the regiment marched
to Capitol Hill and took its place in the line of parade and
for the last time passed in review before its commander-in-
chief. That vast thoroughfare, Pennsylvania Avenue was
crowded and the people were wild with joy. May 29th,
we marched again through Washington and Alexandria and
went into camp at Cloud's Mills, Virginia, where on June
16, 1865, the regiment was mustered out of the United
States service and its record passed into history.

319

JOSEPH C. JONES.

SERGEANT COMPANY L, CONSHOHOCKEN, PENNA.
Sergeant J. C. Jones, of Company L, relates a thrilling
experience he had during the battle of Trevilian Station,
Va., June 12, 1864. While General A. T. A. Torbert, com
manding the First Division, with two brigades engaged the
enemy in his immediate front, General G. A. Custer with
his brigade was ordered to attack in their rear, which he
did successfully. But the enemy was reinforced and Gen
eral Custer was later repulsed with heavy losses. Not
having received any word from General Custer for some
time, General Torbert was quite apprehensive concerning
the safety of General Custer's command. Four different
messengers were sent at different times to communicate
with him. All returned stating that it was impossible to
get through the lines, whereupon General Torbert directed
his provost marshal, Lieutenant-colonel Theo. W. Bean, to
select two well mounted men and follow the trail taken by
General Custer, and, if possible, to locate him and report
his condition. Captain Wallace, of the Fifth Michigan Cav
alry, and Sergeant Jones, of our regiment, volunteered to
accompany Colonel Bean. They passed some distance to
the rear of our lines and struck General Custer's trail. Dash
ing along at a rapid gallop in the direction of where they
heard Custer's guns, they suddenly emerged from a wood
land, and while descending a sharp hill, overhung with
drooping branches of trees on both sides of the road, to
their amazement they were confronted by about fifty dis
mounted Rebel cavalry. Before they could check their
horses they were only about forty yards apart. The Rebel
officer gave the command to mount and a dozen or more
carbine bullets were singing near them. It was fortunate
that they were well mounted. With pistols in hand and
spur to the flank the distance between the pursuers and the
pursued increased and the trio reached our lines in safety.

320

JOSKPII C. JoXKS.

Sergeant, Company 1.. Conshohocken, Pa.

JOSEPH C JONES

Failing, after repeated efforts, to get a message to Gen
eral Custer, General Torbert became greatly alarmed about
the fate of his command. He was just about directing a
movement for his relief, when Major Dana, who had orig
inally accompanied General Custer, came in and reported
that Custer's command was heavily engaged, but felt con
fident that he would cut his way out, which he did.

321

ITINERARY OF THE SEVENTEENTH REGI
MENT, PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER
CAVALRY.

BY SERGEANT JOSEPH E. MCCABE, OF COMPANY A.

For the purpose of preserving the enviable record made
by Company A of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry, during the War of the Rebellion, by
special request Sergeant Joseph E. McCabe, a member of
the company, furnished the following itinerary record of the
company. As the company was never detached from the
regiment, the itinerary of the company is virtually the itin
erary of the regiment.

It is but justice to Sergeant McCabe to state that the in
teresting itinerary and narrative here given is taken sub
stantially from a series of papers published by him in one of
the Beaver county newspapers some years after the war.
Consequently there are many expressions in the free and
easy colloquial style of the period when the war and its
memories were fresh in the minds of all the participants.

As a complete itinerary of the regiment it is of great
value, being the only full record of the kind that is now
attainable.

Company A of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry, was organized in Beaver, August, 1862,
under the direction of Capt. D. M. Donehoo, the Company
to be known as the Irwin Cavalry. First Lieutenant, J. Q.
Anderson, of Beaver; Second Lieutenant, John Swaney,
of Shippingport.

After our company had its quota of men, we were ordered
to the State Capital, where we lay quite a time in Old Camp
Curtin. And well do we all remember the commander of
our camp — "Old Tarbutton," as the boys called him. We
thought he was so very strict; our quarters had to be kept
as clean and neat as possible. And we have not forgotten
the day when two old plugs of horses were brought up to our
camp, to have the soldiers try their skill in riding and jump
ing over a pole, which was about two feet high, and all who

322

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

could stick on the horse while jumping would be received
for the cavalry service. I believe we had no one to fail in
doing this wonderful feat in our company.

Shortly after this, when the battle of Antietam was rag
ing hot, we were ordered to the State Capital to receive
muskets. After being equipped we were marched to the
cars, packed in some old cattle cars and sent by rail up the
Cumberland Valley. Our first place to disembark was
Chambersburg, where we went into camp for the night.
The next morning we marched to a little place called Smoke-
town, went into camp and remained five or six days. We
were then about twelve miles from Hagerstown, where we
could very distinctly hear the roar of cannon. Our first scare
was soon over. We returned to Harrisburg and laid in
camp for a few days, when we were hurried out of camp
late one evening to go down to the Capitol and receive arms,
as it was reported the Rebs were coming into Pennsylvania.
We remained over night in Harrisburg and returned to our
camp in the morning. The next excitement was the election
of commanding officers for our regiment. The company
officers all proceeded to Harrisburg for the election. D.
M. Donehoo, being captain of Company A, which twas the
first company organized, was entitled to the choice for
colonel (which of course fell on Capt. D. M. Donehoo).
The officers elected were as follows : D. M. Donehoo, col
onel; Capt. McCallister, of Company I, lieutenant colonel.
After the election was over, and all quiet again, the com
missioning of the officers was the next thing to be done. It
was shown that no officer could be commissioned as colonel
for a cavalry regiment but one who was a captain in the
Regular Army, and the consequence was, J. H. Kellogg, of
the First U. S. Regulars, was commissioned colonel of the
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and you might know
the dissatisfaction it created among volunteer soldiers ; but
nevertheless we had to be content, as we had taken the oath
to support the Government and obey all military laws.

We were now moved to a new camp near Harrisburg. J.
H. Kellogg, as colonel; first major, D. Hartranft; second
major, Coe Durland; third major, Reuben R. Reinhold.

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ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

The organization of the regiment was perfected on the I7th
day of November, 1862. H. M. Donehoo, of Company A,
was commissioned commissary, with the rank of first
lieutenant; P. J. Tate, as adjutant, rank first lieutenant;
John Anglun, quartermaster, with the rank of first
lieutenant; Major Isaac Walburn as surgeon; this
completed the organization. The regiment was com
posed of twelve companies, one hundred men in each
company. We were now ready to receive our horses and
other equipments with which we were soon supplied. The
regiment was divided into squadrons (two companies com
pose a squadron). The camp we occupied was called Camp
McClellan; we remained here until late in the fall.

Our next move was to Washington City, where we
went into camp on capitol hill, and after three days
rest we were supplied with army revolvers and cavalry
sabres. We were then sent into Virginia, but were not sup
plied with ammunition. Well do we know the folly of
going into the enemy's country without being fully pre
pared to meet an attack, which was awaiting us when we
arrived at a small creek in Virginia, called Occoquan, that
we had to cross by means of a small flat. At this point we
were attacked on entering the banks of the creek, were
fired into by the Rebels, and now we felt the loss of not
having a supply of ammunition, although some of the boys
had a little, which was used. These being the first Rebel
soldiers we ever met, you may know there were some
frightened boys in the Seventeenth Cavalry, but, our colonel
being a regular army officer, understood our condition, and
made a selection of men who soon drove the enemy off.

We went into camp for the night, and in the morning we
crossed and encamped until the wagons with our stores all
got safely over. Our next move was an advance in the
direction of Stafford Court House. We encamped about
four miles from the Court House, and fifteen miles of Fal-
mouth, Va. The army of the Potomac was then under
command of Major General Burnside. We were now put
on picket duty. Our camp was called "Muddy Camp."
We did not get away from here until late in the winter.

324

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

A portion of Company A was out on the outpost one
very dark night doing picket duty, and it was raining in
cessantly, when the rebels slipped up on us and fired a
volley with old shot guns and muskets, without giving any
warning whatever, killing Millo Kain, of New Sheffield,
Leonard Miller, of the same place, and wounding Lieuten
ant P. A. English, David Hall, Brice Ramsey, Godfrey
Miller, Samuel Christy, and four others who were taken
prisoners. •

CAMP AT ACQUIA CHURCH.

In a few days after this loss we were ordered to move
camp to Acquia Church, a distance of three miles from
Muddy Camp. We were now put on picket and patrol
duty — had a line of twelve miles to protect between our
camp and Dumfries. I think every soldier who was with
us that winter will ever remember the hardships we had to
endure, snow, rain and mud being plenty. Early in the
spring a portion of the regiment, under command of Major
Coe Durland, was ordered to a place called Spotted Tavern,
in Virginia. J. P. Ross, then commissary sergeant of the
regiment, and myself were ordered to accompany the com
mand with commissary stores. Lieutenant H. M. Donehoo,
the commissary of the regiment, remained with the com
mand in camp.

Our march was through a constant rain, and mud almost
to our horses' knees. On going into camp for the night,
we put up our shelter tents, or, as we called them, dog tents,
and put in the night as best we could, for it rained con
stantly all night. At last day dawned, and you may imagine
the glad hearts it made. After getting our coffee in the
morning, we were soon on the road under way; but the
wagons stuck in the mud, and the only remedy now was to
double team and pull them out, for without supplies we
could do nothing. By perseverance and hard work in our
march we arrived at the point we started for, the rain never
ceasing. It was now dark, and our second day from camp.

The Spotted Tavern was an old log house and one log
shanty, which made the place look quite romantic. Com
missary Ross was made speaker for the party connected

325

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

with the commissary department. We put on a bold front
and entered the old log house, which had but one small
room about ten by twelve ; here we found an old man, with
his wife, two daughters and a large dog, which comprised
the family. Mr. Ross made arrangements with the old lady to
get supper, we furnishing the eatables, especially coffee and
salt; the bread they had for us was corn-dodgers, baked in
the ashes. Nevertheless, we enjoyed all that was set be
fore us, for we were wet, hungry and saucy.

The party consisted of six persons. We were quite a
novelty to the family, being the first live Yankees they had
ever seen. They were led to believe we would kill them,
but after we were through with our supper they concluded
we were not as bad as they had been led to believe. When
we first came up to the house the family made for the
woods, but the old lady, being feeble, could not get away
far; she found a hiding place behind the smoke-house.

Supper over, the next thing was to make arrangements
for staying all night, as it was raining; so I mustered up
courage and made things all O. K. with the old folks, and
the family was soon huddled in one bed — the only one in the
house — the old dog taking his place under the bed. We
placed our blankets on the floor, and were soon in the land
of Nod. The room being so small, the old lady was obliged
to set her pots and kettles out by the door to make room for
us, and in the morning some of her kitchen furniture was
missing. The soldiers had taken the tea kettle ; and now
the old lady used her tongue on the "Yanks" with a venge
ance. She came to me, made known her troubles, and I
made search in the wagon train and found it. During our
stay I was "the best Yank in the Northern army."

We laid here but a short time, when we returned to the
regiment in our old camp, where we laid until General
Burnside went on his famous mud march, which we joined.
But it was of short duration. We marched up the Rappa-
hannock river, but were compelled to return on account of
the trains sticking in the mud. We remained in camp
until early in the spring of '63. Our first move in
the spring was on a grand review of the Army of the Po-

326

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

tomac by Abraham Lincoln. We went to Belle Plains,
where the review took place, leaving camp in the morning
and returning at night, making a march of eight miles
each way. It was my belief that the reviews of our army
resulted generally in our defeat, because the Rebs could
always know, by a review, that we were going to make a
move, and the consequence was, they were always ready
for us.

Our next move was the battle of Chancellorsville. We
were ordered to the Rappahannock, and, when we arrived
at that point, we found some Rebs, the first we met on the
field since the Occoquan creek affair.

We succeeded in crossing, and, with Captain J. Q. An
derson taking the advance, we had but little trouble in driv
ing the enemy before us. But the advance was of short
duration; we ran against more Johnny Rebs than we bar
gained for. They opened a piece of artillery on us, and it
somewhat put a check to our advance. But the coolness
of Captain Anderson was remarkable. He kept his men to
gether and we fell back in good order. Recrossing the river,
we marched to United States Ford, crossed, and marched to
the old Chancellorsville House, on the old Franksburg and
Richmond Plank Road. We counter-marched back, and
were not away from the road an hour until the Rebs took
possession of the road and drove in the pickets. The in
fantry was brought up during the night, and crossed the
river. On the morning of April 3Oth, the fight commenced,
and continued until May 2d. We were ordered to the front
on the evening of April 3Oth. The greater part of the cav
alry corps was away under General Stoneman, on his fa
mous raid, at the time, leaving but three or four cavalry
regiments with the army — the Sixth New York, Eighth and
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry.

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.

After the hard fought battle of Chancellorsville under
old Joe Hooker (Fighting Joe, as he was called), our regi
ment arrived in camp near Falmouth, May 15, 1863. But
we came back defeated. Our regiment lost a number of

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ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

her gallant men, this being our first general engagement
since entering the service. The commanding general be
stowed some honors on us for the gallantry of the regi
ment in a general order, of which I will speak hereafter.

We broke camp again about June 4th, and marched to
Catlett's Station, on the Alexandria and Richmond Railroad.
After arriving at this point, we went on picket duty, and,, on
the morning of the 8th, we were again facing the enemy.
A general engagement was now brought on with the Rebel
cavalry. We fought all day at Beverly Ford, on the Rappa-
hannock river. On the evening of the 9th we marched back
to Catlett's Station, where we remained on picket duty
until the I5th, when we took up our line of march and
halted at the Bull Run battle ground made famous the
first year of the war. We then continued on to a place
called Haymarket, where we went on picket duty. We left
there the night of the iQth of June and fell back to Aldie.

On the morning of the 2Oth, the fight of Aldie com
menced. Perhaps some of my old comrades, when reading
this, will recollect when the old Seventeenth went into the
engagement. The Eighth Illinois Cavalry and Third Indi
ana were fighting hard in an open field, enclosed by a very
high stone fence, which was common in Virginia. We
were ordered to their support. The opening or gap in the
fence was quite narrow, and we went in on a trot by fours.
The other two regiments were fighting hard. The Rebs
had three pieces of artillery playing on them. When we
had the order given by the colonel, "By fours into line,"
the Rebs opened some artillery on us, wounding and killing
a number of our boys. It was here that John Brooks, of
Industry township, lost his leg. Our colonel being a Regu
lar officer, kept quite cool. After we dismounted we were
ordered forward, which we did with a will; and never will
we forget how we drove the Rebs from the field (when the
Eighth Illinois and the old Seventeenth from the Iron Bri
gade were together in an engagement they generally . came
out victorious). The field was literally covered with dead
and wounded — our Spencer rifles never failed us. We lay
on the field for the night, and, in the morning, commenced

328

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

an advance on the retreating enemy. We fought them
nearly all morning at Snicker's Gap, and, in the after part
of the day, we engaged them at Upperville.

We now returned to Aldie and made that our stopping
place for three days, doing picket duty. We then again
took up our line of march for the Potomac river, which we
reached without any further fighting. Crossing over the
river we were in Maryland, where we learned that General
Lee was marching into our native state. We continued on
until the last day of June, when we reached Gettysburg, in
Pennsylvania, and we shall never forget the reception re
ceived on entering the town, from the citizens. Our band
struck up one of the national airs, while the citizens cheered
us on with a will, and helped us to pies and cakes, which
they could hand to us as we passed through. Our brigade
was the first of the Yankees that had passed through their
town since the Rebs passed on their way to Harrisburg (as
they said) two days before.

We went into camp near Seminary Hill. Our
commanding officer, General Buford, commanding the
First Cavalry Division, ordered that our regiment
should advance on the different roads leading out
from the town, to ascertain the whereabouts of the Johnny
Rebs. Lieutenant John Swaney had command of Company
A, which was placed on the road leading to Harrisburg.
We had gone about three miles when we met the enemy's
advance guard coming toward Gettysburg. David
Niblo, and Mowery, of Company A, were our advance
guard. We captured one of the Rebs, the other escaped.
We continued on about half a mile, when we could see the
Rebs forming into column and getting position to await an
attack from us; but we returned with our squadron to the
command in haste, and reported our discoveries. The com
manding officer now ordered Captain H. M. Donehoo, of
Beaver, who had command of Company B, to form a picket
line along the Harrisburg road, and other lines to be formed.
We rested in that position for the night.

On the morning of July ist, the Rebs made an advance,
drove in our pickets under Captain H. M. Donehoo, of the

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Seventeenth Cavalry, which was, you might say, the open
ing of the Gettysburg battle — a battle that will ever be re
membered, one that turned the tide of war in favor of the
Union cause. After Donehoo was fired on, the command
was ordered to mount and repair to Seminary Hill. Our
revolvers were recapped and carbines loaded, and in about
thirty minutes the Rebs were pouring in on all sides of us.

The fighting now commenced in earnest, but they got too
many for us and we were compelled to dismount and use
the stone fence for breastworks, which we did with telling
effect, until we were relieved by the coming up of the First
Army Corps under the gallant General Reynolds (who was
afterwards killed). We were now ordered to the right of
the town, and fought there for some time, mounted and
dismounted, and quite a squad of us got into an old brick
church and fired from the windows for a short time. We
then returned to our horses, remounted and fell back
through the town, the Rebs following us up and taking
possession of the town.

We were taken around to the left, and took up position
in the famous Peach Orchard, where we fought until we
were flanked and compelled to fall back. While we were
fighting dismounted, General Custer was fighting his bri
gade mounted. We returned and fought at different
points all day, and at night we were again on picket.

The enemy met with such severe losses on the 3d that it
caused a retreat of the whole rebel army in the direction of
the Potomac river. We marched to Boonesborough, and
there fought on the 8th, gth and loth with the retreating
enemy. On the nth of July we marched to Bakerstown,
and there went on picket, and so remained until the I4th,
when we left, marched about two miles, found the Rebs,
and fought them until they reached the river at Falling
Waters, on the Potomac. We had quite a little brush with
them at this point. After the Rebs crossed the river we
went back to Bakerstown, where we remained until the I5th
of July, when we again took up our line of march, marched
to the Potomac at a point opposite Harper's Ferry, con
tinued down the Potomac about twelve miles, and crossed

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the river at Berlin. On the i6th of July we went into camp
at Peters' Mills, in West Virginia. On the i8th we march
ed to Lovettsville.

The following day we marched to Snicker's Gap, a dis
tance of twenty-five miles from Lovettsville. Continuing
our march on the 2Oth, we marched about twenty miles that
day; on the 2ist we halted at Salem for the night; on the
22d, marched about eight miles, and here went on picket
duty. On the 23d we marched to Barker's Cross Roads,
remaining there on picket duty until the 26th. Our next
place to halt was at Warrentown. Here Lieutenant P. A.
English took sick, and was sent to Washington City to the
Lincoln Hospital. About the 27th of July the regiment en
camped near the Rappahannock river.

On the 29th I rode from Washington to where the regi
ment was encamped, a distance of twenty miles, and re
turned the same day. I then went with Lieutenant English
to Washington. The regiment crossed the Rappahannock
river and encamped at Stevensburg, and here did picket duty
for a month. I remained with Lieutenant English at the
hospital until he was able to be removed, when we got leave
of absence and came home to the county of Beaver, and
were there until about the ist of September, when we re
turned to the command. We found them at Stevensburg,
Va., five miles from Culpepper C. H. The command was
doing picket duty on the Rapidan river, where it remained
until the loth of September.

It was quite an interesting matter to do picket duty at
this point. The Rebs would meet us half way in the river,
when we would exchange papers and give them coffee for
tobacco. One of our number, Mr. John Wilkinson, at
tempted to cross the ford, and the horse with himself got in
deep water, and would have drowned had it not been that
some of the Rebs came to his assistance. About the nth of
September the enemy crossed in force and drove us back,
our regiment contesting every inch of the ground until we
reached Culpepper C. H., where the Eighth Illinois, Third
Indiana and Ninth New York were brought out and formed
into line behind a hill to await the coming of the advancing

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enemy. With drawn sabres the boys in blue charged, and
then we had quite a fight. The Sixth New York and Sev
enteenth Pennsylvania were posted in a strip of woods with
drawn sabres, ready for a charge. When they came up, we
charged, and held them until the other commands got over
a small stream. We now returned our sabres to their
scabbards, and used our revolvers effectually, but the
enemy being too strong for us, pressed us back to Brandy
Station (on the railroad leading from Alexandria to Rich
mond, Va.), where we made a stand and had quite a brush
with them ; but they were too many for us, and we were
compelled to fall back to the Rappahannock river and cross
under cover of artillery. After crossing went into camp
for the night.

BRANDY STATION.

We were at Brandy Station on the nth of September,
1863, where we made a final stand. Our regiment was
ordered to the support of a battery of light artillery, and
we kept the position until the Rebels came up within two
hundred yards of us, marching in a solid column, shooting
down a number of our horses and wounding some of our
men. The battery we were supporting kept up a continual
firing of shell into the enemy's ranks, to keep them back
until the command could get over the river (we were about
three miles from the Rappahannock). At last we received
orders to fall back, the battery taking the lead and the
Seventeenth bringing up the rear.

When we reached the river a battery was placed on the
opposite side, in order to check the Rebs until we could get
over, which we did in good order, and then marched about
three miles back and went into camp for the night. On
the following morning our command recrossed the Rappa
hannock river and engaged the enemy in another fight, but
did not let them drive us back. We took the other side of
the fence this time — we drove them at what we called a
"skedaddle," until they reached Culpepper Court House.
We then marched back to the river and crossed, and went
into camp. On the I3th we marched all day; that night we

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went on picket. On the I4th marched all day, and at night
lay in line of battle at Brentsville.

On the 1 5th we marched until dinner time, when we
found the enemy again and had another brush with them;
fought until after night. On the i6th we marched all day;
that night we went into camp. On the i/th we were on
picket duty all day. On the i8th marched to Fairfax Court
House; took a short rest here. On the iQth we retraced
our steps to Haymarket. On the 2Oth we marched and
passed through Thoroughfare Gap (in the Blue Ridge
mountain) and went into camp. On the 2ist we marched
to Warrentown and encamped; left this place on the 23d,
marched about ten miles and encamped. On the 24th fell
back to Warrentown. On the 26th went on picket duty at
Kelley's Ford, on the Rappahannock ; the same day the
Rebs cut us off from the rest of the command, and attacked
the army at Bealton Station.

We marched about ten miles and joined the army at
Bealton Station. We laid in camp on the 27th and 28th;
on the 29th we encamped five miles from Bealton and did
picket duty. We laid in camp until the 6th of October,
when we moved about three miles farther to the front.

On the 7th we marched to Sulphur Springs and en
camped. Here John English, Com. Sergt. of the regiment,
was taken prisoner while out foraging. On the 8th we
crossed the Rappahannock river at Sulphur Springs, but
did not find any of the Rebs. On the 9th we marched to
Rappahannock Station, and went into camp for the night.
On the loth we recrossed the river, found the enemy, drove
them back to Culpepper Court House, and went into camp
for the night. The next morning we attacked the Rebs.
Our regiment took the advance and charged through Cul
pepper with drawn sabres, and drove the Rebs before us
through the town.

After this fight we went into camp and laid until the 25th
of October at Culpepper C. H. On the 26th we broke
camp and marched a very short distance, when we found
the Rebs in force, drove them back to the Rapidan river,
and fought them at Ely's Ford ; and that night the infantry

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was brought up and crossed the river, whilst our cavalry
was engaged fighting the Reb infantry all day. On the 2Qth
fell back, went into camp, and did picket duty until about
the 8th of November, when we marched to Ricketsville,
where we had quite a fight with the Rebs. Returned to
camp and did picket duty until the last of November, when
we broke camp and engaged the enemy at Mine Run. On
the ist of December we went back to our old camp at Cul-
pepper.

KILPATRICK'S RAID.

On the 27th of February, 1864, at Stevensburg, Va., a
selection of ten men from each company was detailed, and
ordered to report at General Kilpatrick's headquarters,
with four officers from the regiment, and, I believe, a like
number from the different regiments throughout the cav
alry corps. Captain Kurtz, Lieutenant P. A. English, Lieu
tenant Reinhold and Captain Fitzgerald were the officers
from the Seventeenth. We were prompt in reporting to
headquarters, where we laid all the day of February 28th.
Rations were drawn for six days' march, none of us know
ing where we were to go.

But we were not left long in suspense, for we left on our
raid on the night of the 28th; started about twelve o'clock,
and it was as dark as pitch. The balance of the cavalry
remained with the Army of the Potomac. The first
knowledge we had of where we were going was when we
found ourselves crossing the famous Rapidan river at
Ely's Ford. After crossing, we marched rapidly until day
light, when a short halt was made in order to let the com
mand close up. We were wanting our coffee about this
time, but our orders were strictly against making any fires.
We continued our march until about 2 p. m., when we halted
long enough to feed our horses (but no cooking of coffee
as yet). As soon as the horses had eaten their oats we were
off again, at a rapid march.

We had seen no Rebs all day, but were now watching in
every direction for them, as it was getting dark. So, about
nine o'clock we were ordered to prepare to charge. We con
tinued on a short distance, when we made a charge on Bea-

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ver Dam Station, where we found a few Rebs, with one loco
motive and some cars, which we burned with the station.
Everything about or near the station was burned and de
stroyed. We continued our march about half a mile, when we
halted, built fires and made our coffee. It was about mid
night. After getting our supper, the command was divided
into three columns — the main column to march under com
mand of General Kilpatrick(or as we called him, "Kill-cav
alry"), on the main road leading to Richmond. The second
column under Colonel Dahlgren was to march direct
through Prince William and King William counties, and
join General Kilpatrick in front of Richmond. But I am
sorry to say it was the last march for the colonel. The
Rebs were too strong for his little command, and the colonel
and quite a number of his brave followers were slain, whilst
the men not killed were taken prisoners. Major Hall, an
officer of the Sixth New York Cavalry, was in command of
the third column, this being the command to which the
men from the old Seventeenth were attached.

We were ordered to march on to Hanover Junction, and
burn the bridge at that point. It now commenced raining,
and was as dark as Egypt. We were a long way into the
enemy's country, and had no time to lose. The road we
were marching on was very narrow, and the night dark.
Your humble servant was one of the number who was on
the advance guard. We were soon facing the enemy ; they
were so close we could hear them talking. A halt was in
order, so we reported our discoveries to Major Hall. He
ordered us to return and find out what was in our front.
We proceeded on, and received a volley from the Reb guns,
but fortunately they did no harm. After firing they fell
back on the double quick. The command proceeded on
until about three o'clock in the morning. It was so dark
you could scarcely see the file ahead of you. We were sur
prised when we found that the enemy had built a barricade
in front of us — on the road — and had us completely en
trapped, the road running through a thick wood, a high
fence on one side and the woods on the other.

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We marched within ten feet of the barricade, and the
Rebs never halted us. They then opened fire, having about
twenty-five men behind the works. The fire from their guns
made such a bright light that we could see them in their
position. There were only ten of us in front. The Rebs
only shot two of our men. One man out of Company G
was shot in the arm, which had to be amputated the follow
ing day; the other man was shot through the breast, and
lived only two hours. There were ten men between us and
the column, to support us if in trouble, and they came up on
the double quick, under command of Lieutenant P. A. Eng
lish, of Company A. We succeeded in capturing every
Reb, not letting one escape to give the alarm to the awaiting
Rebs, who were in force farther on.

We were now ordered to advance, which we did. After go
ing about four miles we could hear very distinctly the enemy
in our front. We came to a halt and reported to Major Hall,
who commanded us to deploy as skirmishers and lay until
daylight, which was not long. It was very fortunate for
us that we did so, for this was in a long skirt of woods,
and in an open field the enemy had six pieces of artillery
awaiting our coming. After discovering what we had to
contend with, we immediately fell back and marched to the
road that General Kilpatrick was marching over. After
marching all day of the 29th, we again struck the railroad
and took possession of a locomotive and some cars. After
burning them, there was a man came up to us. When asked
by Major Hall if he had seen any Yanks pass through this
way, he replied that there had been a column passed up
about three hours before.

This was glorious news for us, to know we were so near
our comrades, for it was getting rather warm for us in that
neighborhood. The Rebs had by this time concentrated
their forces on all the different roads, in order to head us
off, if possible, and capture us. After leaving the railroad
we had gone but a short distance when they attacked us.
We went on the double quick until we joined Kilpatrick,
who was fighting the enemy at a place called Yellow Tav
ern, five miles from Richmond. We were here until after

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dark, when we were ordered to advance; and you may be
lieve we thought we were getting into rather close quarters
— only five miles from the Reb capital! We continued on
until within two miles of Richmond. We had a strong
advance out, and could see the lights burning and hear the
bells ringing and whistles blowing throughout the city. It
appeared that they were greatly alarmed. We were ex
pecting every moment to be ordered to charge into the city.
We were waiting anxiously for General Butler to come in
on the other side of the city with the Army of the James.
Had General Butler made the advance with us there is no
doubt but we would have taken possession of the capital
on this famous cavalry raid; but he failed to come to our
support.

On the morning of March ist, we started on the advance
guard until the whole column had passed around to the left
of Richmond, and encamped on the old battle field at Fair
Oaks for the night. We had a strong picket out. About
two o'clock in the morning the Rebs opened guns and
charged at the same time. Kilpatrick was not caught nap
ping. The command was soon mounted, and advanced
double quick in the direction of Richmond, till we struck
the Yorktown Road. Marched down this road until near
day. We halted and waited until daylight. We were not
long here before the Rebs again appeared on the scene of
action, this being on the 2d of March.

We put out a skirmish line, set three pieces of artillery,
and opened fire on them. Fell back about three miles and
opened three pieces again. We kept this up during the day,
until we were quite a distance from the city. When night
came we were on the Pamunkey river, where we halted un
til morning. On the 3d we marched all day ; reached White
House Landing in the evening, and were there all night.
Next morning we took up our line of march and marched
within five miles of Williamsburg, where we laid all night.
Next morning we marched through Williamsburg, reached
Yorktown about dinner time and encamped that night in the
famous Peach Orchard, where McClellan had his hard
fighting. Laid there all day. On the night of the 6th a

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portion of the command went to the assistance of General
Butler, near Fortress Monroe, marching all night. The n^xt
day they were sent back on a boat. We were in camp on the
7th and 8th in the Peach Orchard. On the Qth of March,
we crossed the James river and went into camp about one
mile from Gloucester Point, and were here two days and
nights. On the nth of March we embarked on one of the
steamers and were taken back to Washington City.

After getting off the boat, and all mounted who were
able to march, we took up our line of march to Fairfax C.
H., where we encamped for the night. On the i4th we
marched to Catlett's Station, and were here over night. Next
day marched to Culpepper C. H., making the raid from
February 27th to March I5th, and being in the saddle two-
thirds of the time. Those who were never on a cavalry
raid know little of the hardships men have to endure. We
were never as near worn out during our time in the service
as we were on this raid. We lived entirely on the eatables
we gathered up through the country, eating things we would
have thrown away in camp. When we returned to our old
camp, it was a happy meeting with our comrades who were
there. We enjoyed our night's rest hugely. We were al
lowed two weeks' respite before being again put on duty.
Thus ended the Kilpatrick Raid.

THE WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN.

About the 27th of April we broke camp and marched to
Madison Court House, where we found some Rebs ; charged
the town and drove them some distance. We then returned
to our old camp at Culpepper, where we lay until about the
4th of May; broke camp and marched about three miles,
and encamped near Stevensburgh. On the morning of the
5th of May we crossed the Rapidan river, after having a
little brush with the Rebs, and marched to the Chancellors-
ville battle ground, where we lay all day, and until the morn
ing of the 6th. While there a number of us took a stroll
around the old battle ground, where we fought about one
year previous under old Joe Hooker. The skeletons of
some of the slain at the Chancellorsville fight were to be
seen scattered all over the field.

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This was the opening of the Wilderness fight. On the
6th of May we were on the skirmish line on the road lead
ing to Fredericksburg. In the after part of the day Com
panies A and G were sent to United States Ford on a re-
connoissance. When we returned the regiment was en
gaged in fighting, which continued until dark. We laid on
the field all night. On the morning of the 7th, we renewed
the fight, fought all day and laid on the field that night. On
the 8th we fought until about n o'clock at night. In this
engagement Captain P. A. English, Harper Nevin and
Joseph Potts, of Company A, were wounded. Potts died of
his wounds the next day after being sent to the rear.

We were relieved by the Fifth Army Corps. After be
ing relieved by the infantry we marched within four miles
of Fredericksburg and encamped for the night. This was
our first fighting under General Sheridan. On the morning
of May 9th we continued our march until we struck Beaver
Dam Station, where we burned the station and some cars,
and captured about three hundred prisoners ; also destroyed
about three miles of railroad track. We encamped for the
night, and on the loth we marched to the South Anna river,
where we made a halt for the night. On the nth we
marched about three miles. We were now about ten miles
from Richmond. We continued our march about four
miles farther, encountered the enemy and had quite a brisk
fight in the afternoon. We were now within two miles of
Richmond, at daylight of the I2th of May, and fought the
enemy in their fortifications all forenoon. In the afternoon
our command marched to Games' Mills, where we went into
camp for the night. On the I3th we marched to Bottom
Bridge, on the Chickahominy, where we encamped for the
night. On the I4th we continued our march to Harrison's
Landing, on the James river, where we laid until the i6th,
when we went on a reconnoissance and found the Rebs
about five miles from Harrison's Landing. We had quite a
little brush with them, capturing one lieutenant and five pri
vates, and returned to camp in the evening of the I7th.
Marched all that night and until the following evening, and
halted about three miles from White House Landing,

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where we encamped and remained until the 2ist of May.
We were entirely out of rations for ourselves and had no
forage for the horses, which was rather a bad condition to
be in; and were some distance from supplies. On the 2ist
we moved camp to White House Landing, and on the night
of the 22d we crossed the Pamunkey river; on the 23d we
marched all day to another stream, where we built a bridge
and crossed. On the morning of the 24th, we left the river,
marched all day and encamped for the night, being twenty-
seven miles from Richmond and about seventeen miles from
Bowling Green, having made a march of twenty-five miles
on the 24th. On the 25th we marched eighteen miles and
joined the Potomac Army near Bowling Green, under com
mand of Generals Grant and Meade, making the raid in
fifteen days from the time we left the army in the Wilder
ness, this being our second raid around Richmond — once
under Kilpatrick, and once under Sheridan.

On the 26th Company A was detailed to go with the en
gineer corps. We marched all day and part of the night,
and lay up at North Anna river until about two o'clock in
the morning, when we counter-marched and joined the regi
ment about daylight on the 27th, when we dismounted and
fought all day, Company A capturing twenty-two prisoners
and a number of horses. Encamped for the night four
miles from Hanover Court House. On the 28th we fought
all day, and had one man wounded. We now marched back
to the Pamunkey river, and encamped for the night. On
the 29th we advanced about four miles to the front.

On the 3<Dth of May, 1864, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania
Cavalry and the First Cavalry Division lay within four
miles of the Pamunkey river. On the morning of that date,
the Seventeenth was put on picket duty near Old House
Tavern, when about twenty-five Rebs made their appear
ance in our front. We immediately deployed a skirmish
line and opened fire on them. We had been engaged but a
few minutes when we discovered that the enemy had quite
a reserve in waiting for us. We continued to advance our
line and fought the Rebs, who were infantry, until about
dark. Our loss was considerable, although we drove them

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about three miles from where we opened the fight. John
Anglun, our regimental quartermaster, was killed, with a
number of others killed and wounded in the regiment. We
encamped near Cold Harbor for the night.

On the morning of the 3ist of May we advanced on the
Cold Harbor road, and found the enemy strongly entrenched
at Cold Harbor. Here we dismounted and fought on foot.
We had to cross an open field, and in doing so the regiment
lost a number in killed and wounded. I made a very nar
row escape myself ; had quite a large hole shot through my
hat while crossing the field. This engagement was one of
the most hotly contested fights we ever had, the command
losing heavily; but not any way daunted we held our
ground. On the following morning, June 1st, we entered
rifle pits and stayed there until the next morning, when we
were relieved by the Sixth Army Corps. And now came
some hard fighting. Our command fought dismounted,
while General Custer fought his command mounted. The
Iron Brigade, to which we belonged, marched back to White
House, eight miles distant, and went into camp, where we
were supplied with three days' rations.

On the morning of the 2d of June we marched to Bottom
Bridge and encamped for the night. We were now about
twelve miles from Richmond. On the 3d of June, we had
quite a little skirmish with the Rebs at Bottom Bridge. On
the 4th of June, we marched to Old House Tavern, a dis
tance of fifteen miles, and encamped for the night. On the
6th we marched about four miles and encamped at New
Castle Ferry, on the Pamunkey river. On the 7th we con
tinued our march about twenty miles and encamped for the
night. On the 8th we marched to a station called Polecat,
making a march of twenty-two miles that day. On the fol
lowing day, we marched eighteen miles and halted for the
night near Beaver Dam Station. We continued our march
on the loth, making about thirty miles more. This day we
captured forty-six prisoners, one being a major. I have in
my possession the spurs the major had on when captured.
We were now at Orange Court House. On the nth of June,
we had quite a little brush with the Rebs at Trevillian Sta-

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tion; drove them about three miles. On the I2th, we re
newed the fight and fought all day dismounted, General
Custer at the same time fighting mounted. General Custer
at one time was completely cut off from us and surrounded
by the Rebs. He made one of his gallant sabre charges and
cut his way out. The cavalry under Custer and our brigade
lost heavily. The colonel commanding the Ninth New
York regiment was killed while leading his regiment in a
sabre charge for the purpose of opening a way for General
Custer.

Our cavalry fell back that night some distance, the enemy
being most too many for us. We were compelled to leave
our dead in the hands of the Rebs. We destroyed a num
ber of miles of railroad between Richmond and Jordan's
Mills. On the I3th of June we marched to the North Anna
river, making about fifteen miles. On the 1/j.th we marched
ten miles and encamped at Todd's Tavern, on the Franks-
burg road. On the I5th we marched about eighteen miles
and encamped by the Poe river. We continued our march
the following day, making about twenty miles, and en
camped near the town of Bowling Green, Va. Resumed our
march the next day, making a march of fifteen miles, when
we halted for the night, being about fifteen miles from
King and Queen Court House, and eight miles from White
House Landing. On the i8th marched to King and Queen
C. H., where we encamped for the night. On the iQth we
retraced our steps a distance of fifteen miles and encamped
at Dunkirk Landing. On the 2Oth marched eighteen miles
and encamped at White House Landing. On the 2ist we
crossed the river on a railroad bridge by leading the horses,
whilst the artillery had to be pulled over by the men.

After going about one and a half miles from the Pamun-
key river we encountered the Rebs and fought them all day ;
drove them about three miles. We had three men wounded
and two killed in Company A (John Martin and Joseph
White killed, Fred Marquet, Walter House and one other
wounded). Eleven men were wounded and six killed in the
regiment. On the 22d marched about ten miles and en-

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camped for the night by the Chickahominy river, at Stone's
Bridge. We remained here until about noon of the 23d,
when the Rebs attacked our picket line, which opened an
other fight that continued until five p. m. The Rebs, get
ting a little more than they expected, fell back, leaving us
in possession of the field. The Sixth New York lost a num
ber of killed and wounded in this engagement. On the 24th
marched to Charles City Court House, where the Rebs had
whipped General Gregg's cavalry division. Our division
was immediately sent to the front. It was about ten o'clock
at night. We laid on the field until morning, when we
turned the tide the other way. We captured a number of
prisoners. On the 25th marched four miles and encamped
at Wilcox's Landing, on the James river, where we rested
until the 28th of June, when we crossed the James and lay
in camp until the next morning. We then took up our line
of march, made about twelve miles, and encamped at Prince
George Court House. On the 3Oth we marched ten miles
and encamped at Black river, nine miles from Petersburg.

July first we broke camp, marched about six miles, and
went into camp for the night; continued our march, on the
2d of July, about fifteen miles, and encamped at Light
House Point, on the James river, where we lay until the
4th of July, when we moved about three miles and went on
picket duty. We lay here until about the 26th of July, when
we made another move. We marched all night, crossed the
Appomatox, and on the morning of the 27th we crossed the
James river, and laid all day and until the next morning,
which was the 28th of July, 1864. We now opened up a
fight with the Rebs at Malvern Hill. Fought all day and
night and then returned to the other side of the James. Left
our horses, recrossed the river again, and fought on foot;
went back that night, about twelve o'clock, mounted our
horses and marched all night to the Appomatox river, and,
on the 3Oth marched out to the left of Petersburg, where
we laid all night. On the 3ist marched to a camp near City
Point ; laid there until the 2d of August, when we embarked
on board a vessel for Washington City.

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SHENANDOAH VALLEY CAMPAIGN.

The boat left City Point on the morning of the 3d of
August, and arrived in Washington City on the evening of
the 5th. Marched through the city on the evening of the
6th, about dusk, on our way to the Shenandoah Valley. We
went out as far as Tannellytown ; went into camp for the
night; continued our march on the 7th as far as Monocacy
river and laid up for the night. On the 8th we marched to
Harper's Ferry; on the 9th crossed the Potomac river at
Harper's Ferry, continued our march about six miles, and
encamped for the night. On the loth we marched twenty-five
miles and encamped at Millwood, in the valley. On the nth
fought all day near White Post, the fighting was very hard,
the ground being very hotly contested. Company A suffered
severely. David H. Niblo was shot through the body dur
ing that night; David Bruce, shot through the arm; Oscar
Bradley, shot in the hand; David Mercer, shot in the
stomach, died from the wound. The same ball that killed
Niblo, passing through him, struck Mercer. On the I2th
we marched to Old Ford Springs; laid there about four
hours, and then continued the march to Middletown, where
we encamped for the night.

On the 1 3th we marched six miles; next day, about four
miles, and went on picket at Cedar Springs, two miles from
Front Royal, on the Shenandoah river. On the i6th the
Rebs attacked us, about three p. m. We drove them back,
capturing three battle flags and four hundred prisoners;
fought until after dark. Were on picket duty all day of the
1 7th at Old Chapel Church, on the Berry ville Pike. Re
mained on picket until the 2Oth of August.

While we were at this point the paymaster came out to
pay us off. Colonel Mosby, the bushwhacker, made a dash
on the army train, and burned a number of wagons, near
Berryville, but did not succeed in getting the greenbacks, al
though some of his men were in the wagon that contained
the money. On the 2Oth we marched to the point where Mos
by burned the wagons. On the 2ist the Rebs made an at
tack on us. Finding them too strong for us, we fell back to
Charleston and went into camp. During this engagement

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Brice Ramsey, of Company A, received a slight wound in
the leg. On the 22d we marched about ten miles and went
on picket on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, four miles
from Shepperdstown and eight miles from Harper's Ferry.
Were relieved from picket duty on the 23d, and went into
camp near Shepperdstown.

On the 25th we fought all day on the Winchester Pike.
John McCullough was wounded; Corporal A. Hartford,
wounded in the arm; - Waterhouse, in the foot;

Lieutenant James Potter and David Stone, killed in a sabre
charge. Company A lost heavily in men and horses during
the charge. Wre were ordered to open up a way between
our brigade and General Custer, the Rebs having him com
pletely cut off from our brigade. Custer's brigade, during
this time had been righting desperately, but the Rebs had
turned their whole force on him, which caused the order
for the Seventeenth to make the charge. Lieutenant Potter
was at the head of the company when killed. He had just
given the order to draw sabres, when he was shot. Major
Coe Durland had his horse shot. But there was no such
thing as going back. We were again ordered forward.
Captain P. A. English by this time was at the head of his
company. He had been sent on other duty when we first
went in, but came just in time to take command.

General Torbert stood by the roadside and said, "Boys,
Custer is in that woods, and you must cut your way to him,
and help him," and the order was given to forward. We
went forward and did cut our way to him, and found his
little band fighting like tigers, as they always fought. I
don't think there was a man in his command but what loved
him, for they were never in a tight place but what he was
there to lead them and share the dangers with them. On
the 26th we rested all day near Harper's Ferry. On the
following day we went on picket duty. On the 28th we
marched up the Winchester Pike, found the Rebs at Smith-
field, fought them, driving them about three miles, and then
encamped. Laid in camp until the 29th, when we again
opened up another fight. This time the Rebs drove us back
about four miles. After fighting all day, we took possession

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of Smithfield. The next morning we marched back as far
as Berryville and went into camp.

All who may read this can see we got very little rest after
going into the Shenandoah Valley. It was up and down
the valley continually — we would drive the Rebs one day
and the next day they would drive us. We moved camp
on the 2d of September to Ripley, and that night marched
back to Berryville. On the 3d we marched to White Post,
and lay on picket all night. On the 4th the enemy got in
our rear, and we were compelled to fall back to near Berry
ville. On the 5th we marched to Smithfield and went on
picket again. On the 6th our regiment was sent out on a re-
connoissance. After going about four miles we found the
Rebs at Opequon river, drove in their pickets, opened up a
fight, and fought about two hours, when we received rein
forcements and drove them from the river. Our cavalry
crossed the stream and fought all day, and then recrossed the
river again. Company A was left to guard the ford. We had
some hard fighting; remained there until after dark. Michael
Caler, of Company A, was wounded in the leg; Captain
Reinhold, of Company E, was killed.

On the 8th we moved to Smithfield. On the Qth the regi
ment went on a scout to the Opequon river. Company A
was ordered to charge the ford and drive the Rebs back,
which we did in good style, driving them away and captur
ing fifteen prisoners. We crossed the river, drove them to
Bunker Hill, and then went on picket duty. On the loth
we were relieved from picket. On the I3th our brigade
went out to reconnoiter. The I7th we were ordered to
cross the Opequon and see what was to be found. We
had gone but a short distance from the main column when
we found the Rebs at Bunker Hill. We laid on the Hill a
short time watching them, fired a few shots to let them
know we were still haunting them, and then returned to
the main column. On the I4th we were put on picket on the
Opequon river; were relieved from picket on the i5th, and
went to camp. On the i8th marched back to General Sheri
dan's headquarters and drew rations. On the morning of

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the i pth, broke camp about three a. m., and marched to the
Opequon river, remaining there until noon.

At noon the brigade was ordered to cross the river to
relieve a brigade of regulars. After going about one mile,
we found the Rebs and opened up a fight. By this time the
three cavalry divisions were all over the river and in the en
gagement (General Custer's Division, General Averill's
Division, and the First Division, of which we formed a
part). The fight became general and lasted all afternoon.
The cavalry divisions made a juncture on the Winchester
Pike, while our division was doing the hard fighting. Gen
eral Custer was held back to make a charge, but we all
charged together, driving the Rebs over the cleared fields
like so many sheep. The cavalry composed the right wing
of our army. Our infantry was engaged on our left, having
the Rebel infantry to contend with. Our driving in the
Reb cavalry broke the enemy's left, and the consequence
was their whole line had to give way. We continued to
drive them until after they had passed through Winchester
and some distance beyond the town. It was now some time
after night. During the fight we captured quite a number
of flags, prisoners, cannon, etc. Our brigade captured four
battle flags during the engagement.

We encamped at Winchester that night, and on the fol
lowing day, as the command was ordered to the front to
renew the engagement, General Sheridan was on the road
side, and ordered the Seventeenth out of the column, say
ing he wanted one of his best cavalry regiments to report
to Colonel Edwards at Winchester, who had charge of the
town. I will just say here that we were now getting ourselves
into hard work. General Sheridan went on to the front, driv
ing the Rebs up the valley, and we were left to keep the com
munication open irom the front to Harper's Ferry and Mar-
tinsburg. Wre were carrying dispatches daily from the front
to the rear and from the rear to the front; and had some
fighting almost every day we went out. We lost more men
doing that duty than we would have lost in a regular engage
ment. We had to march from forty to sixty miles with
dispatches, and had bushwhackers all along the line watching

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for us. This kind of duty we had until the army fell back to
Winchester. On the 2ist I was sent out with ten men to
Harper's Ferry with a dispatch, while the rest of the regi
ment was taking care of the wounded and burying the
dead. On the 22d I was ordered back to Winchester, and
got as far as Charlestown, when I learned that Colonel Mos-
by had driven all the pickets in. I was ordered by the
colonel commanding to remain there all night. Had I gone
on with my men we would all have been killed or captured.

The next day the infantry at Charlestown was ordered
to fall back to Harper's Ferry. I consulted my men as to
what would be best for us to do, and we concluded to go
through to Winchester, or die doing our duty. So off we
went. Knowing the road pretty well I traveled the pike
part of the way, and then left the pike and marched on the
dirt road, and when we were on the dirt road, Mosby was on
the pike, and captured Brigadier General Duffee and his
escort. I suppose if we had followed the pike our fate
would have been the same as Duffee's. My orders to the
men, in case we met any Rebs, were for every man to keep
perfectly cool until they would get near us, and then every
man to open fire at the signal and take care of himself.
But we were very fortunate, getting back to camp all O. K.

After getting to camp all safe with the dispatch, I was
then sent to the front, with a sergeant and ten men from
Company G, but they failed to get through. The sergeant
was captured and three men killed. On the 24th of Septem
ber, a portion of the regiment was sent to Harper's Ferry
with some refugees, and on the 25th, came back as far as
Charlestown, remained all night (put up in the court house
where John Brown was tried) and got back to Winchester
on the 26th. We remained in camp until the 3Oth, when
the regiment went on a foraging expedition. October ist
CompanyA was ordered out on a scouting expedition. On the
2d it marched from Winchester to Martinsburg, a distance
of twenty-two miles ; and on the 3d, marched back to Win
chester. On the 4th and 5th we laid in camp; on the 6th,
went after forage ; on the 7th in camp ; on the 8th, went to
Martinsburg with a lot of refugees ; on the Qth, returned to

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Winchester with dispatches. We were in camp until the
1 3th, when we went after Colonel Mosby; returned to camp
after night and rested until the i8th, when the regiment
went after forage. On the iQth the fight opened up at Mid-
dletown, the Rebs losing a great many prisoners, fifty-eight
pieces of artillery and a number of wagons. On the 2Oth
we went after straw to lay the wounded on. Laid in camp
until the 25th, when we again took another trip after Mosby.

WINCHESTER.

On the 29th an order was issued from Colonel Edwards'
headquarters for one sergeant and twenty men to report to
his headquarters, with twenty of the best horses in the regi
ment, and it fell to my lot to be the sergeant to command
the squad. So we reported to Edwards' headquarters and
received our orders. I was to report myself to Major
Young, of the general staff. He gave me old Bob, a colored
man, who was to be our guide. This little trip was to be
around and into the rear of General Early's (Rebel) army
of the Shenandoah. So off we started, it being a short time
after noon on the 29th. We marched along the Romney
Pike to within four miles of Pewtown, and stopped over
night ; had not seen any of the enemy yet.

On the following morning we continued our n\arch, and
after getting out as far as Cossen river, about thirty miles
from Winchester, we came upon some Rebs, and captured
three. The others escaped. But here we had some fun.
We took the trail of a party and followed it up on the
mountain and down the opposite side into a deep hollow or
hole called Hell's Hole, and here we found a log shanty with
four horses tied to the side. We had not long to wait until
one of the Rebs made his appearance on the outside, and
then the fun commenced. We were on the side of the
mountain, and it was so steep that we had to dismount and
lead our horses. We opened up a fight and had it quite
lively for a time. We finally captured the Rebs and their
horses and lost three of our own horses, as we could not
do the fighting and hold the horses on the mountain. One
of the captured party had a very fine gun, a repeater that
shot sixteen times.

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23— 17th R.

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

After getting ready to retrace our steps up the mountain,
we found that the party was a squad of Reb guerillas, and
that this was their hiding place. We crept up the side of
the mountain with our prisoners, leading our horses. When
we reached the road again where we had left some of our
party to guard our tracks during our stay down the moun
tain, they had captured one more Reb. It was now about
four p. m. Here we left the Cossen River and marched until
dark, when we struck the pike at the foot of the mountain.
We now followed the pike up the mountain side again, and
reached the top without any further trouble. But after go
ing down about half way on the other side we were attacked
by some Rebs. We fought them until after night, when
they fell back and left us in possession of the field. We
killed one of the Reb horses, captured the rider, and found
that he was one of the most desperate men in the valley,
the leader of a band of guerillas.

He turned out to be the notorious and famous Charley
Seibert. He said, when his horse was shot it threw him so
hard on the ground he could not recover in time to escape.

We continued on our march until we came to Old Bill
Russell's Cross Roads, eighteen miles from Winchester, it
being twelve o'clock at night. We were then about four
miles from the Reb army and eighteen from the Yankee
army. I posted my pickets, and in less than twentv-five
minutes the Rebs were on us. Fortunately I had posted two
of my best fighting boys on the outpost (I am proud to say
they were Beaver county boys), and they had with them the
sixteen-shooter that we had captured from the Rebs that
day. They held the post until I got to them with more men.
We finally drove them off, and were not disturbed any more
that night. In the morning Mrs. Russell gave us a very good
breakfast, and Old Bill, as we called him, gave us a big
drink of apple jack. We now started off for camp, and
arrived safe, only losing three horses on our trip, bringing
in with us twelve horses, nine prisoners and one sixteen-
shooter gun. We had made a raid clear around the Reb
army. Our raid being so successful, the colonel command
ing ordered that we should be kept from regimental duty;

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so we could accompany Captain Young almost every day
or night on a raid, and capture some prisoners.

The regiment in the meantime was busy in carrying dis
patches to and from Martinsburg. On the 4th of November
the regiment went with General Sheridan to the Opequon
river, and returned on the night of the 5th. On the 6th,
went out to capture twelve Rebs, and returned to camp
about daylight on the morning of the 7th. On the 9th three
companies — Company A under Captain P. A. English,
Company B under Captain D. M. Donehoo, and Company
G under Captain Kurts — marched to the Opequon river,
captured some prisoners and returned to camp on the loth.
On the 1 2th the regiment was sent to Berrysville, charged
into the town, driving the Rebs out, and came back to camp
that night. On the i6th, the regiment was ordered on an
other raid ; returned that night. Was in camp until the 24th
of November when the command went to Berrysville and
back.

At the battle of Cedar Creek, which took place October
1 9th, General Sheridan was on his way to the army from
Washington City, had got back as far as Winchester, and
was at Colonel Edwards' headquarters, when the Rebs
were driving his army back (he had got there on the even
ing of the 1 8th, and was staying over night at Colonel Ed
wards'). At daylight on the morning of the I9th the Gen
eral asked for an escort to take him to the front, and part
of the old Seventeenth was ordered to escort the General
on his famous "twenty miles away" ride. But we were
like so many dogs after a fox ! He was riding his famous
black horse, and we were strung out along the pike, the
fastest horse ahead !

November 27th the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry
broke camp at Winchester, W. Va., marched four miles
out on the Front Royal Pike, and halted for the night. On
the 28th the cavalry corps, under General Torbert, started
on a raid up the Luray valley, and to Gordonsville. The
roads were very bad, which caused our raid to be short.
We were gone four or five days, but returned to camp with
a number of horses, cattle and plenty of provisions.

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I will just say here that on the 27th of November, I was
ordered to report to General Sheridan's headquarters, and
take charge of his scouts. I was allowed the privilege of
selecting some of my scouts, and made the request to have
four men from my company detailed with me — men who I
knew would do their duty in any position in which they
might be placed. Captain Young, one of Colonel Edwards'
staff, and who had previously been in command of the
scouts, was ordered to report at General Sheridan's head
quarters to act as aide-de-camp on his staff, so it fell to
my lot to remain at General Sheridan's headquarters, in
command of sixty-five scouts, until the close of the war.

The regiment was moved to a little town called Lovetts-
ville, a short distance below Harper's Ferry and about two
or three miles back from the Potomac river, opposite Ber
lin, in Maryland, doing picket duty there until about De
cember 22d, when it was ordered to report to General Tor-
bert, and went with the First Division (to which we be
longed) to Gordonsville, while Custer, with his command,
went to Staunton. Custer was gone about three days, and
returned to camp after doing great damage to the enemy.
The weather was very hard on men and horses. We re
mained in camp until in February.

From the time I took command of the scouts up to this
date I had been very active. I was obliged to keep a con
tinual watch all along the lines, and report every morning
to General Sheridan the whereabouts of the Rebs. About
the ist of February, 1865, we sent a woman to Romney to
see what Gilmore and McNeal were doing. She returned
on the 4th of the month, and I reported her progress to
General Sheridan. I was then ordered to take thirty men
and proceed to Romney, a distance of about forty-five miles.
I started on the 5th, after night (the snow being very heavy
on the ground), and found Gilmore at Moorefield. Cap
tured him and one of his staff in their beds. We made our
escape with them, and also the black horse which was given
to him on his raid into Pennsylvania and Maryland, the
time he burnt Chambersburg. We had gone some three
miles with him before his command knew that he had been

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captured. The Rebs followed us as rapidly as possible and
attacked us, but we made our escape with the prisoners and
returned to Winchester the next evening; had eighteen
prisoners.

JAMES RIVER EXPEDITION.

The regiment continued doing picket duty until about the
last of February. On the night of February 28th, Sheridan
called me into his office and gave orders that I should pro
ceed at daylight, march up the valley as far as Woodstock,
and remain there until he would arrive with his cavalry
corps that night. So I started as ordered, and marched as
far as Strasburg. There I found some Rebs and had quite
a little brush, killing one of them, and drove them away
from Strasburg. I marched on to Woodstock. About
dark General Sheridan arrived with his army. On the fol
lowing morning I started with my company of scouts,
dressed in full Rebel uniform, and marched to Newmarket.
We encamped for the night near Newmarket. The follow
ing morning I marched to Harrisonburg, found quite a
little force of Johnnies there, and had quite a brisk fight be
tween the enemy and my scouts. We kept up a bold front
until the column came up, and while the command was en
gaged in fighting, I was ordered to take my scouts, accom
panied by one regiment of cavalry, around on their flank.
I found a fording where we crossed safely, without the
enemy knowing anything about it. We succeeded in getting
in their rear, where we made a charge, surprised them com
pletely, and captured their train and about two hundred
prisoners.

Then we marched on to Staunton, left the pike at Staun-
ton and marched on the dirt road for Charlottesville, where
we found General Early posted with the remnant of his
army at the foot of the mountain, to oppose our advance.
General Devin, with his command, was dismounted to fight
on foot, and Custer's men were formed for a charge.
Finally everything was ready for an advance, and then the
fight opened. After a short time General Sheridan or
dered a charge, and away we went, capturing every piece of
artillery and all the wagons, and pretty nearly all the Rebel

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army. This was the last fight General Early ever made.
On we pushed through the mud and finally reached Char-
lottesville, where we laid three days for a rest.

Our next move was on to Lynchburg. We marched
within twelve miles of the town, got all the Rebel army in
the city to defend it, and then started in the opposite direc
tion, destroying all the railroads, and the James River canal
for miles, and prevented the enemy from following us by
rail. We had a full sweep of the country, nothing in our
way, and we destroyed everything that would be of use to
the enemy. We halted at Columbia, on the James river,
and remained two days to rest the horses. Here is where
John McCloskey and David Dunn, of the Southside, were
taken prisoners. They had been back of camp a short dis
tance at some house, when the Rebs came up, captured
them, and took them to Richmond. They had only been
prisoners about ten days when they were exchanged. On
their way up on the boat from Richmond David Dunn took
sick and died.

During our stay at Columbia, on the James river, there
was a party of Rebs on the opposite side watching our
movements. General Sheridan asked for an officer and
twenty men to go over and rout them. The Seventeenth
always being ready, Captain P. A. English and twenty men
got into an old flat, and over the river they went. We had
a piece of artillery posted to cover our little band in case
the enemy would prove too strong for English, but he made
the shore, drove the Rebs away, held the opposite shore
until dark, and then returned safe. It was here that Sheri
dan asked for four of my best scouts. I reported to his
headquarters and received orders to have two men go
mounted and two men cross the river and go on foot to
General Grant's headquarters, near Petersburg, to have ra
tions sent out to supply the cavalry corps. He said if two
men would be captured the other two would likely get
through ; and if they would make the trip all right, he
would give them two hundred and fifty dollars apiece. So
off they went The four men got through safe. The two
that started mounted had to abandon their horses and go on

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foot through the woods. When we arrived at White House
Landing the four scouts were there on a gunboat, which
had been sent around with the boat loaded with supplies
for the cavalry. We lay here about two days, when we
started for Grant's army, arriving there about the 26th of
March. The old Seventeenth was always ready when there
was any hard work to be done. When we arrived at Gen
eral Grant's headquarters, in front of Petersburg, we were
met with a hearty greeting by the Army of the Potomac.
We lay there two days, and drew rations and forage for our
horses, and were then ready for the march again.

The cavalry corps encamped in the rear of the extreme
left of Grant's Army of the Potomac, at Hancock Station.
At this point we received supplies for men and horses.
Sheridan had a small reinforcement attached to his com
mand — the old Second Cavalry Division, once commanded
by General Gregg, but now under command of General
Crook. The three cavalry divisions proceeded on this last
grand march under Custer, Devin and Crook. The old
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry was under T. C. Devin,
who commanded the first division. The brigade to which
we were attached was called the Iron Brigade, and was
noted for its hard fighting.

It was a grand sight to see General Custer and his staff
on the field during the last struggle of Lee. The brave gen
eral had long, flowing curls, and a flaunting red scarf,
which was very conspicuous. Custer's division could be
recognized a mile away by his bright colors. On the 2Qth
of March, General Sheridan, with his cavalry, left camp
and marched to the extreme left of General Grant's army.
It was the opinion that this was to be a long and wearisome
raid. The cavalry was reduced considerably by the culling
out of all brokendown horses and dismounted men. Be
fore starting they were left at Petersburg, and from thence
sent to Washington, never to witness or take an active part
in the field again.

I will try to give you an idea of how severe the last raid
was on men and horses in coming through from the valley.
When leaving Winchester, W. Va., the First and Third Cav-

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airy Divisions numbered about 9,484 strong. On arriving
at Waynesburg, one month later, the command was re
duced 1,500 men, leaving about 8,000 men to continue the
march ; and, after arriving in front of Petersburg, we num
bered 5,700 all told. To this was added Crook's command,
numbering 3,300, and at a later date, McKenzie's skeleton
cavalry Division from the Army of the James, 1,000
strong — thus making Sheridan's cavalry number 10,000
men.

THE FINAL. CAMPAIGN.

Sheridan had the Fifth Army Corps added to his com
mand, and was given the command of the left wing of the
army during the last campaign. On the 29th of March, the
cavalry moved out of the lines, striking off to the southwest.
The first night we crossed Hatcher's Run and moved on in
the direction of Dinwiddie Court House, Devin's division in
the advance, the old Seventeenth leading. We found some
Rebs at the Court House ; but were not long in driving them
out. Devin's and Crook's divisions went into camp for the
night, leaving Custer back at Hatcher's Run. It had been
raining, and the roads were almost impassable. The wagon
trains had stuck in the mud, and Custer's division was
guarding them. It was reported that Fitzhugh Lee's Rebel
cavalry was off to the south of us, watching for an opportu
nity to pounce upon the train. I was ordered to take my
scouts, find out the whereabouts of Lee's advance, and re
port as early as possible.

I found some of his forces at Stone river, and reported
accordingly. Custer was now brought up from the trains,
just in time to engage in the fight. The First and Third
Cavalry Divisions had been engaged the day before. At
one time the Seventeenth was entirely cut off, and Captain
P. A. English, with Company A, was very nearly captured.
Had it not been that Captain English was an excellent com
mander as well as a brave officer, he and the company would
surely have been made prisoners. General Sheridan with
his rapid marching had left a gap of about five miles be
tween his cavalry and the infantry Fifth Corps. The Sec
ond Army Corps was following the Fifth.

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On the 3Oth Sheridan sent Devin's division and Davies'
brigade, of Crook's force, from Dinwiddie Court
House due north to gain Five Forks on the White Oak
Road. Sheridan remained at the Court House with Cus-
ter. It was raining very hard. Old T. C. Devin, the "Iron
War Horse," as he was called, was ordered to take the Iron
Brigade, to which the Seventeenth belonged, to turn Lee's
right at Five Forks — and well do I remember the occasion,
for I was all night with my scouts trying to cut the wires
leading into Petersburg. Devin, on arriving at Five Forks,
found the Rebs in full force, so strong he could not drive
them out. He was obliged to fall back to the main column.
Lee thought he would squash Devin or capture his whole
division. Pickett's division of the enemy was sent out to
Five Forks, with all the Reb cavalry. Their force numbered
about 11,000 strong. Lee was a little late; had he struck
Devin on the 3Oth, the Fifth Army Corps was still out of
supporting distance.

On the evening of the 3ist the infantry was about five
miles back. The enemy attacked us on the 3ist, in the style
in which Lee always delivered his blows. It was about two
o'clock in the afternoon when they came in on Devin, whose
total force did not exceed 4,000 men, and, fighting on foot,
the Rebs drove us out of the woods into the road to the
Court House. Every foot of the ground was contested very
closely, the men fighting like tigers, dismounted, the horses
all being sent to the rear. The cavalry under Devin fell
back to the main force without losing a prisoner or a gun.
This was the last move of any consequence that Lee ever
made.

This corps of 11,000 men, under the Rebel General John
son, started from the White Oak Road; first drove back
the head of the Fifth Corps, then swung over and drove
Devin, following him down the road, and charged Crooks,
and was finally brought to a halt in front of Dinwiddie
Court House by the cavalry corps deployed in the open
fields, dismounted. Devin's command was separated from
the rest of the cavalry. General Custer brought up two
brigades, and, with his command included, managed to hold

357

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the Rebs in check until Devin came to his assistance, and
then they made Pickett take the back track. Such was our
position on the night of the 3ist.

During this time I was going night and day, with my
scouts, dressed in full Rebel uniform, to find out every move
the enemy would make, and report the same to Sheridan.
I was ordered to go to General Warren's headquarters, on
the Boydton plank road, and tell him to strike the enemy
directly in the rear with his corps (the Fifth), and to at
tack Pickett at daylight. But General Warren disobeyed
orders, and was relieved from the command of the corps.
By this time old Phil was getting his mad up, and he ordered
McKenzie back to Dinwiddie Court House as a reserve,
and to guard the train. Custer and Devin were ordered to
assault the works at Five Forks, and try to turn the right
flank of the enemy.

About one o'clock the Fifth Army Corps came up and
was ordered to help the cavalry. The infantry was to strike
the Rebs on the left of Pickett's command, and come down
behind their breastworks, while Custer and Devin, with
their cavalry, were ordered to charge the works in front.
Custer and Devin, with only 5,700 men, had been fighting
and driving the Rebs all morning, while the Fifth Corps had
not struck a blow that day. Imagine the impatience of Sheri
dan in seeing it move so slowly with at least 15,000 men.
But finally the infantry was ready, and the order was given
to charge. Custer and Devin charged with the cavalry,
swept over the breastworks, and captured all the guns and
battle flags they had in their works. Thus closed the
battle of Five Forks. The heaviest of the fighting fell on
Devin's command , as he charged the center. The old
Seventeenth was in the very hottest part of the fire, and
sustained its good reputation for fighting. I was ordered
to report to the commander of the Second Army Corps, and
tell him to push forward rapidly. The last fight had been
fought, and now the chase began. Custer and Devin, with
the cavalry, were put in the advance to follow up the enemy.
I was following closely, with my scouts, so as to report
every move they might make.

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ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

On the morning of the second day of April the chase be
gan in earnest. The cavalry pushed on rapidly to the west
ward, and reached Ford Station, on the railroad from
Petersburg to Lynchburg, in order to ascertain the move
ments of Lee's army. Two railroads crossed the country
at this point. He was following the one leading from Rich
mond to Danville, N. C, running southwest, known as the
Danville Railroad. The other road ran from Petersburg
nearly due west, to Lynchburg. They crossed each other at
Burksville Station, about forty miles west of Petersburg.
Lee's first plan of retreat was along the line of the Danville
road to North Carolina, where he would join General John
son's army, but little Phil was wide awake, and had Gen
eral Custer and Devin with their cavalry to cut him off.
With the help of the Fifth Army Corps they then pushed
rapidly to Burksville, got in his front, and held him in
check until our army could get up and attack his army in
the rear. On the same day, Custer in the advance and
Devin well up for support, reached Falls Station, about
half way to Burk's Station, on the Lynchburg road.

On the 3d the cavalry pushed on, having nothing to con
tend with but Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry, which gave way to
our advance without much resistance. Lee's army was
marching north of us, about six miles distant, on the road to
Armelia Court House, where it strikes the Danville Rail
road, this being about ten miles from Burksville. Custer
and Devin were pushing on rapidly for Burksville, while
Crook and McKenzie were on the road leading to Amelia
Court House, with the Fifth Army Corps following. The
Rebel infantry was found guarding the trains of Lee's army.
Lee was encumbered by a very large army train which he
was obliged to protect, but after all was forced to leave.
Grant was pushing him with the flower of his army, and the
result of this was soon visible to our cavalry. They saw
that the enemy was completely demoralized, prisoners com
ing in by fifties and hundreds, to give themselves up.
Wagons were found abandoned, also guns and caissons full
of wet ammunition left on the roadside.

359

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

Custer and Devin, with their commands, struck the Dan
ville Railroad on the evening of the 4th, and made a short
halt at Jettersville, between Lee and Burksville Junction.
Sheridan arrived at Jettersville at dark, and learned through
his scouts, who were continually on the watch, that Lee
was at Amelia Court House, hardly five miles off. The
Second Army Corps was following up in the rear of Lee's
army, and the Sixth Army Corps was marching between
the Second and Fifth. The night of the 4th was Lee's last
chance of escape, for his army was getting short of food.
We had intercepted one of Lee's dispatches which he was
forwarding to Danville for supplies to be shipped to Burks
ville Junction.

The following morning Lee found that we had got be
tween him and Burksville, and now his only way for escape
was over the road leading to Lynchburg. Crossing the
country with the expectation of meeting his supplies at
Appomatox Court House, forty miles from Amelia Court
House, the cavalry had been pressing him hard every day.

I was ordered out with my company of scouts, on the
different roads, to ascertain what the Rebs were doing. I
was about ten miles away from the main column, when I
came in contact with a Rebel general by the name of Bar-
inger, commanding First North Carolina Division. I found
him with two of his staff and two orderlies. My scouts and
I were in full Rebel uniform. After meeting them we con
versed with them, got all the information we wanted, and
then politely asked them to surrender. They did not like to
do so, but we compelled them to comply with our wishes,
and we then returned to our lines. I now have in my pos
session a medal given me for capturing this general After
reaching our lines I reported to General Sheridan all I had
learned of Lee's movements, and General Devin, with the
First Cavalry Division, to which the old Seventeenth be
longed, was ordered forward, and in a short time struck a
wagon train going to Appomatox, by way of Deatonsville.
It was guarded by cavalry, but was soon captured, with
five guns and some prisoners. During the night the rest
of our army came up and encamped at Jettersville.

360

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

On the morning of the 6th of April I was ordered to be
ready to leave at daylight with my scouts, move over the
road leading to Farmville, and, when I found Lee's column,
to report back at once. I had gone but three miles when I
left the main road, crossed the fields, soon struck the head
of Lee's army, and continued quite a distance with his
column. On arriving at a cross-road, I left, saying to the
enemy, that I was going out on the flank to see if there were
any Yankees on the road. After getting out of sight, we
put spurs to our horses, soon reached our lines, and re
ported to Sheridan what we had found. He at once halted
the column, gave his orders to the respective division com
manders to strike the enemy on his flank, and away went the
cavalry in a trot, Crook having the lead, Custer and Devin
following. It was only a short march. The whole Rebel
army train could be seen in full view, the train being miles
in length, stretched out along the Lynchburg road, and the
Rebel army marching along its flank to protect it, doing all
they could to escape.

We soon struck a stream called Sailor's Creek, which
gave the name to the fight that followed. It being Sheri
dan's intention to try and take a portion of this immense
train, he was not long in having his anticipations realized.
He was in hopes, at the same time, that the enemy would
make a stand, and he could hold them until our infantry
would get up. Crook was ordered to attack the train and
find a weak point if possible. This was accomplished just
after crossing the creek, on the high grounds overlooking
it. Here Custer was ordered to General Devin's support.
Fifteen pieces of artillery were taken and about four hun
dred wagons destroyed, while three divisions of Rebel in
fantry were cut off from their train.

The Rebels were just posting a battery of nine pieces of
artillery as General Custer came forward. He understood
their intentions in time, turned back, and ordered General
Devin to bring up his men, as there would be a warm con
test. I knew the old Seventeenth would have to stand her
share, and I was anxious to hear the next order. Devin
was coming on a trot when Custer turned to me and said,

361

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

"Mac, for God's sake, see what that is coming on my right."
I turned my horse, passed through the Seventh Michigan
regiment, and was going up the side of the hill, to look down
the other, when I met the Rebels coming in full line of
battle.

I turned back, as a matter of course, when they fired, but
I got back safe, and reported to him just in time to see him
lead the charge at Sailor's Creek, the old Seventeenth tak
ing her share of it. There were eight hundred prisoners
captured. We also took and destroyed nearly one thousand
wagons. About five o'clock p. m. the Rebel General Ker-
shaw surrendered his sword to General Custer. The total
number captured that day was seven thousand prisoners,
with thirty-seven battle flags and a large number of guns;
also the Rebel General Ewell and his whole staff were taken,
with the whole corps, most of them falling into the hands of
the cavalry. This was the closing of the Sailor Creek battle.
At night nearly all of the old army of the valley encamped
together by Sailor Creek, Generals Sheridan, Custer, Mer-
ritt, -Devin, Crook and Wright, after their usual glorious
success.

The following morning after the Sailor Creek fight, the
cavalry took up the chase after Lee's army, General Crook
in the advance. It was now definitely known that Lee was
trying to retreat to Danville.

On the morning of the 7th of April, General Phil Sheri
dan ordered General Devin and General Custer, with their
commands, under General Merritt, to the southwest, some
distance from the railroad, on the road leading to Prince
Edward Court House. General Crook was pushing di
rectly after Lee in the direction of Farmville, north of
Prince Edward Court House. He struck Lee's retreating
forces at Farmville, but was compelled to fall back, the
Rebels being too strong, which caused the loss of many
men, and General Gregg of the cavalry.

When Generals Devin and Custer arrived at Prince Ed
ward Court House, they found the place deserted. They
immediately returned, joined the main column, and went
into camp for the night, near the railroad.

362

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

On the morning of the 8th of April, I reported to General
Sheridan for orders, and was ordered to take four of my
scouts and proceed to Appomattox Court House, and find
out when Lee was expected to arrive at that point and re
port back immediately. After going about three miles, we
found two Rebel soldiers at a house on the roadside. We
asked what they belonged to, and, of course, they would re
peat the same question in asking what we belonged to, see
ing that we were dressed in their clothing. We said we be
longed to the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. After getting all the
information we could, we continued on our way until we
reached a station, where we found five or six Rebs standing
on the platform.

I inquired of them if they had seen any Yankees about
today. They said no, but said about one mile further on
there was a train of cars laden with rations, and also another
train of supplies at Appomattox station. We, of course, pre
tended we were delighted in knowing that we would soon
have supplies, as we (the Rebs) were nearly starved, and we
were sent out by General Lee to know if there were any
"Yanks" on that road. After learning all we could, we re
turned to the main column. General Custer was in the ad
vance, Devin following, and Crook in the rear.

After giving General Sheridan all the information I had,
he ordered General Custer forward on the main road,
Devin and Crook to take the flank, with orders to push to
the front as fast as possible. Off went the cavalry on a trot.
Now came my orders from little Phil ; I was to proceed to
the Rebel lines and get inside of the army and find out as
near as I could the strength of Lee's army. So off I started
with my scouts, succeeded in getting inside their lines, and
marched quite a distance with them as happy as any of them.
But before Lee reached the Court House, Custer and Devin
had captured both trains of cars which were loaded with
supplies for the Rebel army, and had run them back in our
lines.

General Lee arrived at Appomattox about five o'clock p.
m., on the evening of the 8th. I remained in their lines with
my men, until some time after dark. After Lee found that

363

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

Sheridan had captured his trains, and that his advance
column was cut off, he determined to make a terrible effort
to go through, as this was his last chance. So he ordered
a line of infantry forward to push our cavalry back. The
fight continued until about eight o'clock at night. When
everything quieted down, I left Lee's lines ; and, as we went
out through their lines, we took with us a rebel lieutenant
and ten men off of their picket line, and reported to General
Sheridan all our discoveries. Custer and Devin had cap
tured during the day about thirty pieces of artillery, a great
many prisoners, wagon trains, and two trains of cars. The
Rebel army lay all night within rifle-shot of our army. Our
infantry came up during the night, so that at daylight, our
army was in position for the last grand fight.

I have read many different statements in regard to Lee,
but I will try and give a true statement, as I was present
during this last struggle of Lee and his army. You know
already of my position, and my duty, of course, called me to
General Sheridan^ headquarters. When General Lee came
up to Sheridan, I stood within five feet of him when he dis
mounted. During any movement of the cavalry I always
rode near the General, so that if any orders were to be sent
to his commanding officers I would be ready to go or send
one of my men. Very frequently we had to pass by the
Rebs in getting from one command to the other, and being
acquainted with their way of talking, we could answer them
without being detected. When General Fitzhugh Lee surren
dered he said he could watch his troops, but those scouts
were always with him and he could never get them.

On the morning of April Qth, General Lee, at daylight,
commenced his last struggle for escape. The fight opened
up brisk for a short time, the cavalry and infantry all en
gaged, and continued until near ten a. m., when Lee found
he could not get through nor fall back, as he was completely
cut off and surrounded on all sides ; and, to save any further
blood-shedding, he sent in a flag of truce to Custer's part of
the line, asking to surrender. Sheridan was soon informed
of the fact. Sheridan, Custer and Ord had quite a long talk
together. Sheridan then called me up and told me to send

364

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

two of my old scouts to General Grant ; they would find him
either with the Second or Fifth Army Corps.

So off they went and found him with the Fifth Corps.
They were to tell the General that Sheridan would be at
Appomattox Court House. General Grant arrived at the
Court House about two p. m. on the gth of April. One of
Sheridan's staff officers went over to Lee's headquarters and
informed him of General Grant being at the Court House.
Lee was not long in making his appearance. He came up
riding his dark gray horse accompanied by one orderly, dis
mounted, handed his rein to his man, stepped upon the porch
and shook hands with Generals Grant, Sheridan, Ord and
Custer. They talked for a few minutes and then went into
the house. As to Lee giving his sword to General Grant, it
is not the case.

While they were in the house I talked to his orderly. Lee
soon came out, mounted his horse, tipped his hat, and rode
off. The house that the surrender was taken in was a two-
story brick building, with a small porch in front, with a
yard in front of the house about twenty feet wide, with a
slat or paling fence and a small gate about the center. The
Court House was set back in a square and a few houses faced
it in front. In about one hour after Lee left General Grant,
the prisoners that Lee had captured came marching over,
headed by General Gregg who had been captured a day or so
before the surrender. About dark our army trains took
supplies into Lee's army, they being entirely out of rations.
The two armies lay all night within half a mile of each
other. I went into the Rebel lines after dark and conversed
with some of the men. They appeared well satisfied that
the war was over. I have given you a correct account of
Lee's last fight and surrender to Grant.

On the loth of April, Sheridan started back for Peters
burg with his command, the infantry remaining to parole
the prisoners and take charge of their arms and stores.
About two o'clock p. m. on the loth, General Lee passed us
on his way home. He had bidden his troops farewell in the
morning. After getting to Petersburg the cavalry recruited
themselves up, and, after three days' rest, started for North

24-17th R. 3 5

ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT

Carolina to help Sherman capture Johnson's army. We
had got as far as a place called Black Walnut, when I was
ordered back to Petersburg. Sheridan, Meade and Grant
went to Washington, General Crook remaining back to bring
the army to Washington. We laid near Washington until
after the grand review of the Army of the Potomac and
Sherman's army. Sheridan was then sent to New Orleans
to take charge of the Department of the Gulf. The Seven
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry was in camp about four miles
back of Alexandria, at Cloud's mills. We remained there
until about the first of June, when a portion of the Seven
teenth went to Louisville, Ky. It was there but a short time,
came back to Harrisburg and was mustered out*

My friends, I have given you a brief sketch of our work
during the war. I don't think you can find a regiment that
has a better record, and went through more battles than did
the Seventeenth, commencing at the Chancellorsville fight,
and ending at Appomattox Court House, April 9, 1865.
In all eighty-seven engagements no regiment carried back to
her state a better record than did the old Seventeenth Penn
sylvania Cavalry.

366

COMPLIMENTARY NOTICES OF THE
REGIMENT.

HEADQUARTERS, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION,
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, MAY 10, 1863

General Orders, No. 27.

The general commanding takes this occasion to commend the
conduct of the Second Brigade and Martin's Sixth Independent
New York Battery, in the late engagement near Chancellorsville.

The distinguished gallantry of the Eighth Pennsylvania Regi
ment in charging the head of the enemy's column, advancing on
the Eleventh Corps, on the evening of the second instant ; the hero
ism of the Sixth New York Regiment in cutting its way back to
our own lines through treble its force of the enemy's cavalry on
the first instant; and the coolness displayed by the Seventeenth
Pennsylvania Regiment in rallying fugitives, and supporting the
batteries (including Martin's) which repulsed the enemy's attack
under "Jackson," on the evening of the second instant, have ex
cited the highest admiration.

These noble feats of arms recall the glorious days of Middle-
town, Boonsboro, Antietam, Martinsburg, Upperville, Barber's, and
Amosville, where the First Brigade shared with us the triumphs
of victory, and they will now, while exulting in this success, join in
sorrow for the brave who have fallen.

The gallant McVicar, the generous chivalric Keenan, with one
hundred and fifty killed and wounded from your small numbers,
attest to the terrible earnestness that animated the midnight conflict
of the second of May.

A. PLEASONTON,
Brigadier-general Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS, SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY Div.
MIDDLE MILITARY Div., NOVEMBER 6, 1864.

SOLDIERS : The brevet brigadier-general commanding feels that he
should not allow the present opportunity to pass without referring
to, and recalling, the operations of his brigade during the late en
gagements.

Rapidly transferred from the Army of the Potomac to the Shen-
andoah Valley, you, on the second day's march, engaged a brigade
of mounted infantry, and in one hour drove them from two strong
positions in utter rout. Again, at Front Royal, Smithfield, Kear-
neysville, and Shepherdstown, your sturdy arms and keen sabres on
each occasion hurled back the serried masses of the foe. At the
battle of the Opequan, after charging and routing a superior force
of the enemy's cavalry in your front, you whirled like a thunder-

367

COMPLIMENTARY NOTICES

bolt on the left of his infantry lines, and rode them down in the
face of a withering fire, in two successive charges, capturing over
five hundred prisoners, and five battle-flags.

When detached from the division, and in advance, during the
long pursuits of Early's army from Fisher's Hill to Port Republic,
your gallantry and daring while pressing the enemy called forth
the highest praise. In the action of the ninth of October, taking the
advance near Edinburg, you drove Lomax's division "whirling"
through Mount Jackson and across the Shenandoah, capturing his
last gun and his train.

On the memorable nineteenth of October, the crowning glory was
reserved for you of pursuing the enemy and reaping the fruits of
that brilliant victory. After sturdily fighting from early morn with
the gallant old division to which you were attached, in its success
ful efforts to check and finally drive the enemy's right, you dashed
across the bridge over Cedar Creek, under a heavy fire, charging
and completely smashing the enemy's rear guard. Darkness did
not relax your efforts, but on you pushed, capturing guns, trains,
and prisoners until at near midnight, you had reached Fisher's Hill,
eight miles from the battlefield.

At early dawn you charged and drove the enemy's cavalry from
the hill, and pushed on to Woodstock after the fast-flying foe, who
could not again be overtaken.

Twenty-two of the forty-three guns captured by the cavalry,
fifty-nine wagons and ambulances, over four hundred prisoners,
(including a number of officers,) and two battle-flags, were the
trophies of your success.

You have captured, during this short campaign, twenty-four guns,
nine battle-flags in action, and over one thousand prisoners.

This brilliant success has not been effected without severe loss.
One-third of your number, including forty officers, have been
killed or wounded. They have fallen nobly at their post of duty.

Praise from me is superfluous. The record of your deeds is suf
ficient. You have done your duty, and the brigade has maintained
its old reputation.

Signed, THOMAS C. DEVIN,

Brevet Brigadier-general.

(Official.) J. H. MANKEN, Capt. and A. A. G.

HEADQUARTERS, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION,
DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, JUNE 21, 1865

To the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Privates of the

Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry.

SOLDIERS : In pursuance of orders for the reduction of the armies
of the United States, your regiment has, to a large extent, been
honorably mustered out of service, the few who remain being con
solidated with the Second Provisional Pennsylvania Cavalry.

368

COMPLIMENTARY NOTICES

But the Seventeenth Pennsylvania, though now of the past, shall
not be forgotten. In five successive campaigns, and in over three
score engagements, you have nobly sustained your part.

Of the many gallant regiments from your native State, none
has a brighter record, none have more freely shed their blood on
every battlefield from Gettysburg to Appomattox.

Your gallant deeds will be ever fresh in the memory of your
comrades of the Iron Brigade and the First Division. Soldiers,
farewell !

T. C DEVIN,
Brevet Major-general Volunteers.

369

LIST OF ENGAGEMENTS IN WHICH THE
REGIMENT PARTICIPATED.

Occoquan, Va December 25, 1862.

Kelly's Ford, Va April 28, 1863.

Rapidan River, Va April 29, 1863.

Chancellorsville, Va May I, 2 and 3, 1863.

Beverly Ford, Va June 9, 1863.

Aldie, Va June 16, 1863.

Upperville, Va June 21, 1863.

Ashby's Gap, Va June 21, 1863.

Middleburg, Va June 21, 1863.

Goose Creek, Va June 22, 1863.

Gettysburg, Pa July I and 2, 1863.

Smithburg, Md July 4, 1863.

Williamsport, Md July 6, 1863.

Funktown, Md July 7, 1863.

Beaver Creek, Md July 8, 1863.

Boonesborough, Md July 9, 1863.

Falling Waters, Md July 14, 1863.

Brandy Station, Va. . . : Aug. i and 2, 1863.

Culpepper, Va Sept. 13, 1863.

Brandy Station, Va Sept. 14, 1863.

Raccoon Ford, Va Sept. 14, 1863.

Robertson's Ford, Va Sept. 19, 1863.

Barnett's Ford, Va Sept. 22, 1863.

Madison Court House, Va Sept 23, 1863.

Morton's Ford, Va Oct. 11, 1863.

Stevensburg, Va Oct. n, 1863.

Brandy Station, Va Oct. n, 1863.

Rappahannock Station, Va Oct. 12, 1863.

Oak Hill, Va Oct. 13, 1863.

Rapidan River, Va Oct. 17. 1863.

Thoroughfare Gap, Va Oct. 20, 1863.

Liberty, Va Oct. 24, 1863.

Bealton Station, Va Oct. 28, 29 and 30, 1863.

Rickseyville, Va Nov. 8, 1863.

Mine Run, Va Nov. 29. 1863.

Barnett's Ford, Va .' Feb. 5, 1864.

Taylorsville, Va Feb. 28, 1864.

Kilpatrick's Richmond Raid, Va Feb. 28 to March 15, 1864.

Atlees Cross Roads, Va Mar. 2, 1864.

Wilderness, Va May 4 and 5, 1864.

Furnace, Va May 6, 1864.

Todd's Tavern, Va May 7, 1864.

370

LIST OF ENGAGEMENTS

Spottsylvania, Va May 8, 1864.

Beaver Dam Station, Va May 9, 1864.

Ground Squirrel Bridge, Va May 10, 1864.

Yellow Tavern, Va May n, 1864.

Meadow Bridge, Va May 12, 1864.

New Castle Ferry, Va May 26, 1864.

Hanovertown, Va May 27, 1864.

Hawes Shop, Va May 28, 1864.

Topotomy Creek, Va May 29, 1864.

Old Church, Va May 30, 1864.

Cold Harbor, Va May 30 and June I, 1864.

Trevilian Station, Va June 12, 1864.

White House Landing, Va June 21, 1864.

Jones Bridge, Va June 23, 1864.

Darbytown Va July 28, 1864.

Berryville, W. Va August 10, 1864.

White Post, W. Va August n, 1804.

Newtown, W. Va August 1 1, 1864.

Cedarville, W. Va August 15, 1864.

Front Royal, W. Va August 16, 1864.

Summit Point, W. Va August 20, 1864.

Near Charlestown, W. Va August 21, 1864.

Kearneysville, W. Va August 25, 1864.

Leetown, W. Va August 28, 1864.

Smithfield, W. Va August 29, 1864.

Berryville, W. Va Sept. 3, 1864.

Opequon, W. Va Sept. 7, 1864.

Bunker Hill, W. Va Sept. 13, 1864.

Winchester, W. Va Sept. 19, 1864.

Luray, W. Va Sept. 24, 1864.

Smithfield, W. Va Sept. 30, 1864.

Tom's Brook, W. Va Oct. 9, 1864.

Cedar Creek, W. Va Oct. 19, 1864.

Newtown, W. Va Nov. 12, 1864.

Gordonsville, W. Va Dec. 22, 1804.

Sheridan's James River Raid, Va Feb. 29 to Mar. 18, 1865.

Dinwiddie Court House, Va March 30, 1865.

Stony Creek, Va March 31, 1865.

Five Forks, Va April I, 1865.

Scott's Cross Roads, Va April 2, 1865.

Drummond's Mill, Va April 4, 1865.

Near Jettersville, Va April 5, 1865.

Sailor's Creek, Va April 6, 1865.

Appomattox Station, Va April 8, 1865.

Appomattox Court House. Va April 9, 1865.

A number of minor engagements are not included in the above

list.

371

THE MONUMENT.

SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER
CAVALRY, GETTYSBURG, PA.

The committee appointed by the Seventeenth Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry Association for the erec
tion of a monument on the battlefield of Gettysburg, were
not only solicitous that it should be properly located, but
especially that it should be first, distinctively typical of the
branch of service it represented; second, that its design
should be unique and different from any other monument
on the field; and third, that it should be composed of such
material and construction as to last for ages to come. How
well the committee succeeded is best evidenced by the monu
ment itself. Surely no more appropriate design than a
mounted private cavalry soldier could have been selected.
The private soldier was the unit of the rank and file, the
bone and sinew that made up that grand army of blue, the
like of which has never been equalled in the history of the
world. The private soldier was always in the thickest of
the fight, did the most hazardous picket duty and performed
the most arduous menial duties in camp. Upon the heroism
of the private sol-dier, rather than the officers who command
ed them, rested the issues of battles.

Still further to emphasize the appropriateness of the de
sign, the committee took special pains to produce the private
cavalry soldier just as he was in the active service; and,
to obtain the very best results, a typical horse was selected,
and Comrade George W. Ferree, of Company L of its own
regiment, dressed in his own uniform, together with such
other original equipments as were in actual service during
the War of the Rebellion, was mounted on it. Then a fac
simile cut life size was made in bas-relief, on a solid granite
boulder ten feet, six inches high, ten feet, three inches wide,
and three feet thick at the base, weighing over twenty-
seven tons, thus virtually reproducing the private cavalry
soldier as he was while in the active campaign. Of the four

372

THE MONUMENT

hundred and more monuments on the battlefield of Gettys
burg, that of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Vol
unteer Cavalry is pronounced by military critics the most
artistic monument there. A few references to the monu
ment itself may not be out of place in this connection.

When the regiment arrived in Gettysburg, late in the
afternoon of June 30, 1863, after a short stay in the town,
it moved out the Mummasburg Road and went into camp
a short dis'tance from the Seminary Ridge. The reserve
picket post was located on top of the ridge, guarding the
Mummasburg Road, with the outpost picket advanced as far
out the road as the Forney residence, the monument occupy
ing the very spot where the vedette was stationed. Early
the next morning, July i, 1863, the Confederate army ad
vanced in two columns, one on the Chambersburg Pike and
the other on the Mummasburg Road, both leading to Gettys
burg. There are different claims made as to who fired
the first shot that opened the battle of Gettysburg. As
these two columns advanced almost simultaneously, in all
probability it will never be definitely known to whom this
honor belongs.

Comrade F. W- Whitney, a member of Company B, of
the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry,
claims that, on the morning of July i, 1863, he was on picket
on the Chambersburg Pike, and that, shortly before six
o'clock that morning, as he spied the enemy approaching,
he fired the shot that opened the great battle. Whether
this be correct or not, the vedette on our monument is re
presented as having just discovered the enemy, and both
man and horse are intently looking in the direction of his
approach. The vedette, with carbine raised, is just about
ready to fire the first shot that announces to his reserve
post, that the enemy is approaching/ Immediately the re
serve rallies to his support, and before the men in camp had
time to finish their breakfast, the call of "Boots and Sad
dles" is heard and the regiment is hurried over Seminary
Ridge and formed in line of battle on the Forney farm, be
coming hotly engaged, and holding the enemy in check until
relieved by the First Corps.

373

THE MONUMENT

Again referring to the monument jthe author desires to
call the attention of the reader to a few minor details which
otherwise might be overlooked, such as the natural attitude
of both the trooper and the horse, perfectly at ease, with
intelligent expressions that indicate that they are on the
alert, wide-awake, and that they mean business. Again the
fatigue cavalry uniform, regulation cap, gauntlets, top
boots, spurs, blankets, shelter tent, canteen, saddle, bridle,
halter, carbine, carbine sling, revolver, belt with cartridge
boxes, saddle-bags with the handle of the curry-comb ex
tending, (which might suggest something quite different to
the uninitiated) and even the lower end of the saber scab
bard, worn on the left side, are shown, all harmoniously
and systematically displayed so as to reproduce the cavalry
soldier as he actually appeared during active campaigning.
The coat of -arms of the State of Pennsylvania in bronze
is inserted at the base. The base also contains the follow
ing inscription, viz. :

SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT,, PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY,

SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS,

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

On the reverse side is the corps badge and the following
inscription, viz. :

THE REGIMENT HELD THIS POSITION ON THE MORN
ING OF JULY i, 1863, FROM 5 O'CLOCK UNTIL THE AR
RIVAL OF THE FIRST CORPS TROOPS. THE BRIGADE THEN
MOVED TO THE RIGHT, COVERING THE ROADS TO CAR
LISLE AND HARRISBURG, AND HOLDING THE ENEMY IN
CHECK UNTIL RELIEVED BY TROOPS OF THE ELEVENTH
CORPS. IT THEN TOOK POSITION ON THE RIGHT FLANK
OF THE INFANTRY AND LATER AIDED IN COVERING THE
RETREAT OF THE ELEVENTH CORPS TO CEMETERY HILL,
WHERE IT WENT INTO POSITION WITH THE DIVISION ON
THE LEFT WING OF THE ARMY.

RECRUITED IN BEAVER, SUSQUEHANNA, LANCASTER',
BRADFORD, LEBANON, CUMBERLAND, FRANKLIN, SCHUYL-
KILL, PERRY, LUZERNE, MONTGOMERY, CHESTER, AND
WAYNE COUNTIES.

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THE MONUMENT

ENLISTED SEPT. i, 1862, MUSTERED IN SEPT. 19, 1862.
MUSTERED OUT JUNE 16, 1865, AT CLOUDS MILLS, VA.
THE REGIMENT, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, PARTICIPATED
IN 55 ENGAGEMENTS, AMONG WHICH WERE THE FOL
LOWING, viz. :

GETTYSBURG, MINE RUN, WILDERNESS, TODD'S TAVERN,
COLD HARBOR, TREVILIAN RAID, SHERIDAN'S FIRST EX
PEDITION, DEEP BOTTOM, FISHER'S HILL, NEWTOWN,
WINCHESTER, GORDONSVILLE, GOOCHLAND C. H., FIVE
FORKS, SAILOR'S CREEK, AND APPOMATTOX.

At a reunion of the survivors of the regiment held in the
G. A. R. Hall at Lebanon, Pa., October 5, 1887, the follow
ing committee on erecting a suitable monument was ap
pointed, viz :

Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Wm. Thompson. Pottsville, Pa.
Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theo. W. Bean . . Norristown, Pa.

Bugler H. P. Moyer Lebanon, Pa.

Lieut. Jas. Brennan Scranton, Pa.

Sergt. H. G. Williams Philadelphia, Pa.

The committee met at Allentown, Pa-, February 16, 1888,
and entered into a contract with the Smith Granite Company
of Boston, Mass., for the erection, on the battlefield of
Gettysburg, of a monument to consist of a solid boulder of
Westerly granite marble, to weigh not less than twenty-two
tons, upon which was to be cut, in bas-relief, a full sized
cavalry vedette, together with such other inscriptions as
the committee may suggest, at a total cost not exceeding
$3000.00.

On April 10, 1888, the committee, including Colonel Coe
Durland, met the State Board of Commissioners at Gettys
burg, Pa., completed the contract and located the monument
at the Mummasburg Road close to the residence of J. S.
Forney, at the junction of a then contemplated new avenue,
which the committee suggested to the Board of Commis
sioners should be named Buford Avenue. The avenue has
since been opened and now has some very fine cavalry
monuments, and, being located on high ground, affords a
beautiful view of that portion of the battlefield.

On the 1 2th day of October, 1888, the committee, at the
request of the Smith Granite Company, visited the quarries

375

THE MONUMENT

of the company at Westerly, R. I., for the purpose of ex
amining the boulder and also inspecting a plaster of paris
model which had been prepared and to make such correc
tions as were deemed necessary. The only correction that
was made was to exchange a cap instead of the hat that the
model had. In less than one hour's time the artist substitut
ed the cap for the hat, which all agreed was a decided im
provement-

On the nth day of June, 1889, the Smith Granite Com
pany informed Colonel Thompson that the monument was
in position, and requested the committee to meet the Penn
sylvania Board of Commissioners at Gettysburg, Pa., on the
2ist day of June, 1889, for the purpose of accepting the
same, if satisfactory. The committee met the commission
on the day appointed and upon examination found the monu
ment erected and located at the point designated by it. The
work was considered satisfactory, and both the committee
and the State Commission accepted the same.

The liabilities incurred by the committee in the erection
of this beautiful monument, including the dedicatory ser
vices, were $3,500.00, of which amount the State paid $ir
500.00, but not until the Smith Granite Company of Boston
had produced receipts to the State Board of Commissioners
that all liabilities against the monument had been fully paid.
From an artistic standpoint this monument of the Seven
teenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry is not ex
celled by any other on this, the most historic and best pre
served battlefield in the world. Military critics have pro
nounced it the most artistic monument on the battlefield of
Gettysburg. The veterans and their friends are proud of it,
and the committee who superintended its erection are deserv
ing of the highest praise for the efficient manner in which
they discharged their duty.

The monument was dedicated with imposing services,
Wednesday forenoon, September u, 1889. About three
hundred of the old veterans with a goodly number of their
friends were present.

376

( iKOKCK \\'. I'Y.KKKK.

Srr-i'ant. Company L. rarkrrslmr.n, Ta.

GEORGE W. FERREE.

SERGEANT COMPANY L, CONSHOHOCKEN, PA.

Sergeant George W. Ferree was born near Parkersburg,
Chester county, Pa., May 26, 1843. His early life was
spent with his father on his farm in Chester county. Sep
tember 15, 1862 he enlisted in the Chester county cavalry
company, and on the 2ist day of September, 1862, he was
mustered into the United States service and became a mem-
be of Company L, Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Cavalry and had an unbroken service record with
the company and regiment until he was mustered out of the
service, June 16, 1865.

He was a splendid horseman and never seemed better
satisfied than when he rode a spirited horse. He always
rode one of the best horses in the regiment. After the com
mittee, which was appointed to erect a regimental monument
on the battlefield of Gettysburg, had agreed on a mounted
cavalry vedette as its design, Sergeant Ferree was selected as
a typical cavalryman to pose for the sculptor. His fine
physique and graceful soldierly bearing is artistically por
trayed by the artist on the monument.

As long as his health would permit he was an enthusi
astic attendant at our regimental reunions and evidenced
great interest in reviewing reminiscences of the regiment.
He died November 22, 1906, at Parkersburg, Pa., and his
remains were deposited in the Octoraro Cemetery near Par
kersburg.

377

DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT.

Address Delivered at the Dedication of the Monu
ment of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry,
Gettysburg, September n, 1889.

BY BREVET LIEUTENANT-COLONEL THEO. W. BEAN.

Great battles are fought to gain or to maintain strategic
positions, and are usually preceded by important marches
of the hostile armies. The movements of Lee's troops to the
Susquehanna, and their operations for three days prior to
the concentration of the invading army on this field, July i,
and the counter movement of the Army of the Potomac for
the same period, presaging as they did a tremendous crash
of arms, are replete with interest to a student of the battle
of Gettysburg.

The field of active military operations extended from
the Potomac to the Susquehanna. Two veteran armies of
100,000 each under skilled chieftains, were manoeuvering
between the two rivers for the advantage of position in the
impending battle. The geographical extent of the field, the
open and improved character of the country, suggested the
employment of the maximum strength of the cavalry forces
operating with the contending armies. No brighter page
of historic interest, no more sagacious generalship, no truer
devotion to duty by the rank and file, will be found in the
campaign of 1863 than in the history of the Cavalry Corps
of the Army of the Potomac, beginning at Beverly Ford on
the Qth of June and closing at Falling Waters on the I4th
of July, 1863.

The greater efficiency of the corps was secured by adding,
preparatory to this campaign, a Third Division, and in the
promotion and assignment to brigade commands of three
distinguished young officers, Generals Merritt, Custer and
Farnsworth. The three divisions, as then organized, were
commanded by Generals Buford, Gregg and Kilpatrick, re
spectively, and the corps by Major General Pleasonton. To

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DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT

the First Division was assigned the arduous and responsible
task of covering the left flank of the Army of the Potomac
in its march to and into Pennsylvania, of attacking the invad
ing army and forcing it to battle on grounds of our own
selection, if possible, and then holding it at bay until sup
ports could reach the field of combat. It will always be a
source of martial pride to every member of the regiment,
whose memorial we this day dedicate to immortal memory
that it was a part of and the only Pennsylvania organization
present in the First Cavalry Division, whose services are so
conspicuously associated with the first hours and the first
day of the battle of Gettysburg.

A RETROSPECT.

General Buford's Division crossed the Pennsylvania line
in Franklin county on the 2Qth of June Passing over the
South Mountain it went into camp near Fairfield for the
night, in a region abounding in forage and water for our
jaded horses, as well as in supplies of Pennsylvania bread
and meat for the wearied men of the command. The day's
march was uneventful, save in the short but eloquent speech
es made by the captains in obedience to orders, and in the
responsive and ringing cheers made by the gallant soldiers
as they marched by the trooper of Company G, who stood
with streaming guidon, on the boundary line of the State,
indicating our exit from doubtful Maryland into loyal Penn
sylvania.

The restful camp that followed our march over the
mountain was memorable only in the departure of Company
G on a social visit for the night to their homes, at and near
Waynesboro, in the exercise of authority reluctantly given
them by Colonel Kellogg, and their return without a man
missing by sunrise on the following morning, in fulfillment
of their pledge of honor. The day's march had a signifi
cance, however, far beyond the comprehension of the toil
ing officer and soldier of the line. The trained eye and
splendid forecast of General Buford, scanned with eager
interest the landscape that opened to his view on this moun
tain highway. Gravely impressed by the importance of

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DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT

impending events, Buford said to the officers surrounding
him "within forty-eight hours, the concentration of both
armies will take place upon some field within view, and a
great battle will be fought." By the examination of a local
map obtained in the neighborhood, the remarkable con
vergence of broad highways at Gettysburg was first clearly
disclosed to the officers in command, and indicated the ap
proximate field of the coming conflict. To this point, under
general instructions, Buford hastened and directed his
next day's march. It is a remarkable coincidence that on the
evening of this day, June 29, General Lee issued his order
for the concentration of his army at Cashtown, recalling
General Ewell from the Susquehanna. The march of
Buford's column northward, reported to Lee by his secret
service, indicated the advance of the Army of the Potomac
in the same direction. This movement precipitated pre
parations for what was then, as well as subsequently, be
lieved to be the greatest battle of the war.

The advance of all columns was upon Gettysburg on the
morning of June 30, save that commanded by General
Stuart; General Ewell from the east, General Hill from
the north, General Longestreet from the west ; from the
south, General Buford on the left, General Gregg on the
right, covering the capital, and the face of the country from
Hanover to Fairfield — the Army of the Potomac, under a
new commander was moving to strike the Army of North
ern Virginia whenever found.

There was an episode connected with our movement on
the Harrisburg Pike when near town, of a surprising charac
ter. The regiment was massed in a small field within short
range of Gen. Howard's artillery on Cemetery Hill. The
officers in charge of the batteries, looking through the dust
and smoke of the field, mistook the command for the enemy,
and turned their guns upon us. A number of shells exploded
over and near us, but no one was injured. The command
to change our position was promptly given, and we recall
the fact that it was executed with a celerity that did credit
to mounted troops. Grave fears for the moment were felt
by all, that the guns firing upon us might be in the hands

380

DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT

of the enemy and in our rear; but a hasty reconnoissance
made by Major Durland, and his prompt report, soon afford
ed us sense of relief.

Note. — Two battalions of the regiment only were on the
line of the First Brigade on the morning of July i. Com
panies E and L were ordered to the support of Lieutenant
John H. Calef's Battery A, Second U. S. Artillery, in action
with the First Brigade on the Cashtown Road, and remain
ed in that position until relieved by the Infantry of the
First Corps, when they joined the regiment on the Harris-
burg Pike. Companies D and H, under command of
Captain Thompson, were on detached duty at Fifth Corps
headquarters, and were present with General Mead dur
ing the second and third days of the battle.

The retirement of the troops from the first to the second
position was rapid, and the difficult task was not executed
without confusion. The broken lines of battle were forced
in hastily formed columns through narrow streets with ar
tillery, mounted troops and trains. The regiment preserved
its formation throughout this trying ordeal, and with the
brigade and division went into position on Cemetery Hill,
holding the extreme left of the new line. The Seventeenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry was placed in support of Calif's bat
tery, while the carbineers of the division were hastened to
the support of the First Corps in defeating the advance
of the enemy to the Emmitsburg Pike.

The sun set upon a hard fought field. The line so gallantly
fought for was lost, and with it, hundreds of unburied dead,
suffering, wounded and thousands of prisoners. A flushed
enemy pressed his temporary advantage, and possessed him
self of the streets of a town, in which every public building
was a hospital, and every household a place of fear and
sorrow. The sweep of battle lines from the north and west
had driven scores of families with their possessions in hasty
flight within the Union lines, where in fancied security, they
mutely witnessed the fruit of their toil converted into sup
plies for the enemy, or burned to ashes between contending
lines of battle. The first day closed upon an army deeply
impressed with the loss it had sustained; but undismayed,

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DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT

and with a courage that could not be broken, it fully realized
that on the morrow the contest would be renewed with
longer lines and fiercer conflicts. Day succeeded day of
carnage ; and the grand climax was reached when the Rebel
chieftain hurled the pride of his army against the loyal
line, where it met a wall of fire and steel, before which it
could not stand, beyond which it could not pass, and from
which it was driven with a loss of life, and consequence of
battle that made days most memorable in the history of the
Army of the Potomac.

The first day merged into the second and the first and
second days into the third. A trinity of battle fires fused
regiments and brigades, divisions and corps into the in
trepid Army of the Potomac, and gave to Freedom's em
pire the field and victory of Gettysburg. Time is disclosing
the far-reaching results of issues, met and decided on this
field. Posterity will not pause before this memorial, and
inquire into the details of the service of Buford's Cavalry,
or of the fall of Reynolds on the first day, the fall of Zook
in the "whirlwind" of battle, or the famous march of the
Sixth Corps to the imperiled field on the second day, or
the bloody repulse of Longstreet on the third day. All
days, all men, all commands and all memorials will crystal
lize in history, and the sole question of our children will
be, "were you with Meade at Gettysburg?" The magnitude
of the struggle will appear as the student reads the dis
couraging events preceding it, and the courageous endurance
of an army and a nation, that were disciplined by successive
defeats. The loyal North was deeply humiliated by Bull
Run. The Peninsula Campaign was grievously disappoint
ing to administrative circles.

Pope's campaign and Antietam were followed by a period
of despondency that deepened into absolute gloom with the
deplorable defeat at Fredericksburg. Inspired by a love
of country, with dauntless courage, the same army was
led to another and a last defeat at Chancellorsville. Then
forced to a new field, under a new leader, gathering new
strength from new conditions, it struck its deadliest blow,
and demonstrated to friends and foe that it was invincible.

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DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT

After Gettysburg, the issue between the North and South
was, to sagacious statesmanship, no longer problematical.
Confidence was supreme in the nation's last hope, the army ;
foreign complications were rendered remote; the Union
was believed to be safe; and the destruction of the hostile
army was only a question of time, a consummation witnessed
less than two years later with emotions of joy and honor
able pride by every survivor on the field of Appomattox.

Time has made sad havoc among those who survived the
engagement — Buford, Meade and Hancock, Sedgwick and
Warren, with thousands of others, have joined the silent
and ever-increasing majority. Another quarter of a cen
tury hence, and by far the greater number of those present
today will have passed away, and every survivor have reach
ed his three score years, soon to be mustered out and num
bered among the dead of Gettysburg. History will record
the splendid achievement of arms, the State will ever pay
deserved tribute to her valiant sons, whose distinguished
services made this the most memorable battlefield of the
Great Rebellion. Posterity living in the blessings of peace,
in the hopes and possibilities of an indissoluble Union, will
emblazon every patriot grave with imperishable glory. Fu
ture pilgrimages will be made to this field of memorials,
inspiring future generations with a love of country and a
valor to defend it for ages to come.

The movement of General Stuart on that day was so re
markable, as seen in the light of subsequent events
that it should not pass without notice. This officer
with five thousand veteran cavalry, under the com
mand of Generals Fitz Lee and Hampton, fought at Han
over on the 29th of June, and marched northward during
the following night, in expectation of joining Ewell's forces,
then operating, as he confidently believed, on the Susque-
hanna River. Colonel White's cavalry occupied the York
Pike during the 3Oth, covering Ewell's left flank on the
march to Hunterstown. Notwithstanding White's occupa
tion of this highway and Stuart's desire to join his friends
who were at least 20,000 strong, the Confederate Cavalry
leader marched northward to their rear in ignorance of their

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DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT

line of march, and did not halt until he reached Carlisle.
For twelve hours at least, he was marching away from the
point of concentration, away from his friends
and his enemies, rendering himself and veteran
troops utterly useless to his profoundly solicitous chief.
Considering the office of a cavalry leader to be the eye and
sword of his superior in command, estimating fairly the
value of Stuart and his corps to Lee on the field of battle
July i, and the reasonable possibility of his being there, had
he possessed himself of the information within his power
to obtain on June 30, it must appear in history as the first
of a series of fatalities, if not blunders, resulting in the
defeat of the invading army. Had General Stuart followed
the trail of Lee's retiring troops, he would have been in
front of Gettysburg by sunrise of July I, and taking posi
tion on the field at that hour, supported by Ewell's and
Hill's infantry, all will admit the field of Gettysburg would
have been lost to the Army of the Potomac; and with it
possibly the opportunity of inflicting upon the enemy the ir
reparable injury they suffered by the loss of men and
prestige in the great battle that followed.

THE DIVISION LINE.

The right of the line of General Buford's cavalry, as
established here on the night of June 30, rested on the
Harrisburg Pike, three miles east of Gettysburg, extending
westward in a semi-circle, across the Carlisle, Mummasburg,
Chambersburg and Fairfield roads, with the left resting near
the junction of Marsh Creek with Willoughby Run. The
night of June 30 closed upon the loyal people of the North
with no news of importance from the Army of the Potomac.
Its movements for days prior had been purposely concealed
from the public, and its exact whereabouts at the time was
as much of a mystery to the people of the North as to
General Lee. The presence of the enemy in force in the
Cumberland Valley, the hundreds of refuges with their stock
and valuables arriving at the endangered capital of the
State, the stories of stampeded men and excited women
furnished hourly fresh material for the reporters of the

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DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT

period; and the daily press magnified the incidental bru
talities of war until the frightened people of Eastern Penn
sylvania stood paralyzed, and seemingly at the mercy of
the invading foe. Critics abounded in those trying days,
and the Army of the Potomac was thought sadly remiss in
allowing the Army of Northern Virginia to cross Mason and
Dixon's Line. The shock of war was alarming to the peace-
loving people of the Commonwealth, but they rallied prompt
ly to the appeals of a great war governor. The trail of
Ewell was closely followed by hastily equipped levies of
patriotic, though inexperienced troops whose coming was
hailed with a thrill of manly confidence by the veteran army
of Meade than aligning the crested hills around Gettsburg,
and waiting in grave suspense for the hour of deadly con
flict.

The retrospect would be imperfect without reference to
the sensibilities and emotions of those who made home the
dearest place on earth. The experience of the preceding
battles and campaigns between these two great armies left
no doubt of the appalling loss of life that would inevitably
result from the shock of arms hourly anticipated. Doubting
and timid minds saw in the bitter reverse of Fredericksburg
and Chancellorsville the possibility of defeat in Pennsyl
vania and with it a train of humiliating results at home, and
serious complications abroad.

THE FIRST GUNS AT GETTYSBURG.

Sunrise of July I disclosed the enemy's skirmishers ad
vancing on the Carlisle and Chambersburg roads. The
battalion of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, com
manded by Major J. Q. Anderson, on picket covering the
Carlisle Road, were the first troops on the right of the
division line to receive and return the fire of General Ewell's
troops. At the same hour a squadron of the Eighth Illinois
Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenants Jones and Dana, were
attacked by Hill's infantry on the Chambersburg Pike.
General Devin, in his official report, says : "My skirmishers
on the right were forced back by the advance of the enemy's
line of battle, coming from the direction of Heidleburg.

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DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT

Knowing the importance of holding that point until the in
fantry could arrive and be placed in position, I immediately
placed the Ninth New York Cavalry in support, (of the
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry) and dismounting the
rest of my available force, succeeded in holding the Rebel
line in check for two hours, until relieved by the arrival of
the Eleventh Corps, when I was ordered to mass my com
mand on the right of York Road, and hold the appproach."
The movement of the Second Brigade to the right, cover
ing the Harrisburg and York roads, was a necessity to check
the advance of the enemy on these highways. It was
obvious that the Union troops were vastly outnumbered
and it required the most skillful disposition of the dismount
ed carbineers to meet and delay the enemy's determined
advance. Our comrades of the Seventeenth will remember
it was at Gettysburg that we first used carbines, having
obtained them at Bull Run while on the march to this field.
The line of carbineers of the regiment was steadily main
tained on the right until the troops of the Eleventh Corps
yielded their ground to the overwhelming numbers of the
enemy, when they promptly found their horses, and with
the infantry retired toward the town.

The triumph of the Union, and the perpetuity of the
American Republic has been the crowning glory of the world
in the nineteenth century of Christian civilization. The
impulse of victory quickened the powers of the American
ized Anglo-Saxon, and intensified his love of country, liberty
and dominion. The Republic with 60,000,000 of people
has a base for future empire, unexampled in the history
of nations. Her continental domain, her loyalty of citizen
ship, her magnitude of resources, in peace and war, all
alike presage a future as phenomenally great as the past.

The retrospect from this battlefield goes beyond the rise
of commonwealths and the establishment of their unity. It
comprehends the wonderful providence of mankind in se
curing to the best type of the race the best portions of the
earth. The courageous manhood of the colonial fathers
was repeated in the men who fought for and won the field
of Gettysburg.

DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT

Warlike and uncivilized tribes peopled the continent, in
waste four hundred years ago, and resisted with savage im
pulse, the advance of our invincible race. From the Altan-
tic to the Alleghanies, across the broad prairies to the Rocky
Mountains, on to the golden shores of the Pacific, these
hostile tribes have been driven by the American soldier and
pioneer. In the track of this continental sweep of civiliza
tion, we now count the fruits of peaceful victories as para
mount to those of war. The courage and endurance of the
colonists gave to them the right of occupancy; the Revolu
tion, the right of eminent domain; the War of 1812, the
honor of our flag on land and sea ; the war with Mexico
demonstrated our power of continental conquest, and the
war for the Union secured the boon of constitutional liberty
to every soul born to the Republic.

The day and event which bring us together as participants
in, and survivors of the most sanguinary battle of the Great
Rebellion, is one of unusual interest. The youth of 1863 is
the man of middle age now, and the man of matured years
in that great engagement is now a gray headed veteran.
Time has left its imprint not only upon our features, but it
has left, let us hope, its lessons of wisdom derived from an
honorable and arduous experience. We were called to the
field in the darkest day of the struggle. We responded to
the appeal of the Commonwealth without the incentive of
bounty or the spur of the draft, and the same Common
wealth, voicing the will of her patriotic people now seeks to
honor the command by planting for us, on the ground we
helped to make historic, a service monument; and in grati
tude sends the survivors as her guests to the field of honor
to witness its dedication.

In our subsequent career we followed the fortunes of the
Army of the Potomac on many bloody fields to final victory,
and when the Confederate flag went down at Appomattox,
the heresy of disunion, with the curse of human slavery,
treason and rebellion, were buried with it with the honors
of war. Good faith on the part of those who participated
in that final arbitrament of arms, demands that the terms
and conditions with the decrees of that burial service shall

387

DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT

be righteously observed, and issues, there adjusted, never
more be revived.

The ceremonial event is one of seriousness and not of
morbid sympathy or affectation. We stand among surviv
ing men, whose eyes did »ot shed tears, and whose cheeks
did not pale or blanch amidst the roar of artillery or the
crash of musketry, when driven from the ground we now
occupy to the crested hills where the victory was gallantly
won by our heroic comrades. The war did not end with the
surrender of Lee on the Potomac, as all hoped, and many
believed it should, as the sequel to the battle of Gettysburg.
It was a contest between men of the same race ; the issue in
volved the best Anglo-Saxon blood on the face of the earth ;
the armies marshalled for the conflict were greater in num
bers, ranked higher in intelligence and were more thorough
ly representative of of progressive civilization than all others
since the days and regime of Xerxes. They were recruited
from all grades and conditions of society ; millionaires and
mechanics, men of learning and the children of luxury
marched side by side ; from warehouse and workshop, from
farm and forge, from professional life and the homes of
pinching want, men came to do battle for their country.

American ingenuity and enterprise, quickened by the love
of country and the reward of wealth, gave to the prefession
of arms the most novel and destructive weapons on land and
sea, known to mankind, — breechloading, revolving and re
peating small arms, superior field guns and ordnance, im
proved signal telegraphic and railroad service, and a revolu
tion in the naval architecture of modern nations.

It was a rebellion of gigantic proportions. Its long death
roll of victims, its huge and lasting debt, its moral blight
and continuing sorrow, keenly felt upon days of returning
memory, mark the event and period conspicuously in the
history of our country, and commands us to profit by the
unexampled experience and sacrifice.

In the enjoyment of national peace and matchless pros
perity, we come to dedicate the offering of a grateful Com
monwealth. The deft hand of art has fashioned in bold
relief the horse and man, a typical soldier of the line. The

DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT

face and form of the hero in granite still survives, and we
all rejoice in his presence today. (Sergeant George W.
Ferree, Company L, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry,
Parksburg P. O., Pa.) This memorial to the fidelity, patrio
tism and valor of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry is,
as it should be, among the most enduring on this historic
field. It testifies to the returning veteran of today, as it
will to the youth of future ages, the high esteem in which
the private soldier was held by officers, comrades, and Com
monwealth, — and when and where the first blood was shed
at Gettysburg. The official and approving tribute of the
lamented Buford to those who served with him on this line,
is a part of our history; and we now commit it, with this
memorial to our descendants for all time to come. "The zeal,
bravery and good behavior of the officers and men on the
night of June 30 and during July I, was commendable in
the extreme. A heavy task was before us ; we were equal
to it, and shall all remember with pride that at Gettysburg
we did our country much service."

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REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT.

Extracts from an Address Delivered by the Author
at the Reunion at Gettysburg, Pa., June 6, 1900.

On the first day of July, 1862, the President of the United
States issued a call for 300,000 volunteers for the purpose
of not only filling the depleted ranks of the Union army, but
also to place more men in the field, which the spring cam
paign of 1862 so clearly evidenced were necessary to crush
the rebellion. Of this number the Governor of Pennsyl
vania was requested to furnish three regiments of cavalry.
The regiment represented here today was the second of
these three, viz., the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Volunteer
Cavalry, or the i62d in the regular order of the number of
regiments furnished by the State. The regiment after it
was organized consisted of twelve companies of one hun
dred men each, six squadrons of two companies each, three
battalions of four companies each, and a band of fifteen
pieces. The counties which contributed to the formation of
the regiment were as follows, viz., Company A, Beaver;
Company B, Susquehanna ; Company C, Lancaster ; Com
pany D, Bradford; Company E, Lebanon; Company F,
Cumberland; Company G, Franklin; Company H, Schuyl-
kill; Company I, Perry and the city of Philadelphia; Com
pany K, Luzerne ; Company L, Montgomery and Chester ;
Company M, Wayne.

REPORTING FOR SERVICE.

All of these companies reported to Pennsylvania's great
war governor, Andrew G. Curtin, about the same time with
only temporary organizations and were quartered in Camp
Curtin. The work of effecting permanent organizations and
mustering of the men into the United States service was
cnly a question of a short time.

After these companies were permanently organized they
were commanded as follows: Company A, Captain D. M.
Donnehoo; Company B, Captain D. E. Whitney; Company

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REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

C, Captain W. H. Spera ; Company D, Captain C. H. Ames ;
Company E, Captain William Tice; Company F, Captain
Charles Lee; Company G, Captain L. B. Kurtz; Company
H, Captain William Thompson; Company I, Captain J. B.
McCallister; Company K, Captain R. Fitzgerald; Company
L, Captain D. B. Hartranft ; Company M, Captain Coe Dur-
land.

Of all the above-mentioned captains, William Tice was the
only one who remained with his company from the begin
ning until the end of service, for the reason that he was
pkdged to remain with his company as long as his physical
ability would permit him to do so. And the fact that he
was mustered out regularly with his company, showed how
faithfully he carried out his pledge.

EFFECTING AN ORGANIZATION.

On the 1 8th day of October, 1862, a regimental organiza
tion was effected and the following commissioned officers
placed in command, viz., Colonel, J. H. Kellogg; lieutenant-
colonel, J. B. McCallister; majors, D. B. Hartranft, Coe
Durland and R. R. Reinhold; surgeon Major Isaac Wai-
burn; adjutant, Lieutenant P. J. Tate; quartermaster, Lieu
tenant John Anglan; commissary, Lieutenant H. M. Donne-
hoo; chaplain, Rev. H. A. Wheeler.

Being only a private at the tail end of my company, young
and inexperienced, I was not supposed to know very much
about the regimental line officers, but I have every reason to
believe that these officers were entirely satisfactory to the
men. The regiment certainly was most fortunate in being
placed in charge of an experienced regular army officer,
Captain Josiah H. Kellogg of the First U. S. Cavalry, who
was a most thorough tactician and soon brought the regi
ment to a high standard of proficiency.

After the organization was completed, the regiment left
Camp Curtin and established their first camp about two
miles north of Harrisburg, known as Camp McClellan. It
was in this camp that we were furnished with horses, sabres

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REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

and other equipments, after which we were subjected to
regular military discipline. Drill, guard and other military
duties commenced in earnest, and seemingly nothing was
left undone to bring the regiment up to the highest standard
of military discipline. And as my memory goes back to that
splendid line of 1,200 men, on an evening's dress parade, and
compares them with the small number assembled here to
day, surely there is a big contrast.

AWAITING ORDERS.

We were now expecting orders every day to be called to
the front. We did not have to wait long, for on the 25th
day of November we left Camp McClellan for Washington,
D. C, and pitched our second camp right in the rear of the
capitol building, known as Capitol Hill. Here we received
our little shelter tents, better known as "dog tents." Here,
too, the regiment received orders to march overland to join
the Army of the Potomac. We bid adieu to the nation's
capital, passed over the Long Bridge into Virginia, and en
camped for the first time on Virginia's soil on Arlington
Heights. While we were crossing the Long Bridge, the first
sergeant of our company (E), who frequently posed as a
prophet (and who always knew the details of the movements
of the army and what would happen), as he rode along the
flank of the company, putting up his finger with his usual
emphasis, said : "Boys, this movement of the regiment means
something; many a poor fellow who is crossing this bridge
today will never recross it." It is needless to say, his pro
phecy was verified over and over again, he himself being one
of the men who never recrossed.

PITCHING THE DOG TENTS.

On Arlington Heights we pitched our little dog tents for
the first time. A bird's-eye view of that camp, if it could be
reproduced today, would, no doubt, be one of the rare curi
osities of the Civil War. It was in this camp we received
orders to send home all surplus baggage, and received four
days' rations and forage preparatory to our march to the
front. All the sick and disabled members of the regiment

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REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

were sent to the hospital, and, on the 2ist day of December,
we were on our way to join the Army of the Potomac. On
the following day, upon reaching the little town of Occo-
quan, we were intercepted by Hampton's Rebel cavalry and
had our first skirmish with the enemy. To the best of my
knowledge, there were no very serious results of this, our
first engagement, and the regiment went into camp and did
picket duty for the first time in the enemy's country. I very
well remember my experience as a picket that night. I took
my turn with two other comrades on outpost, picketing a
public road, with instructions to shoot anything that would
present itself in my front. On the one side of the road
was a thick woods. The wind was pretty high, the night
was pitch dark, and every little noise I heard in the woods
I imagined were so many Johnny Rebs. The next day we
devoted to scouring the country in search of the enemy who
had intercepted our march the day before, and while we had
evidences that we were on their trail, we never overtook
them, so we returned to Occoquan again and went into
camp. The following day, Companies C, D and I, with
Major Reinhold in command, were detailed to remain at
Occoquan Creek for picket duty, while the balance of the
regiment continued the march to the front. When these
companies joined the regiment again, the air was full of all
sorts of reports as to how Hampton's Legions had returned
to Occoquan and attacked these companies in vastly su
perior numbers, and how the military movements there and
then made by Major Reinhold and his associate officers pre
vented the whole squadron from being captured. When the
regiment reached the Army of the Potomac, it was assigned
to picket duty in the vicinity of Stafford Court House. And
who of us does not remember Muddy Stafford ! Our men
were then inexperienced in the art military and subjected to
the most arduous military duties. It was not an unusual
thing to hear the call of "Boots and Saddles" any hour of the
night, calling out the entire regiment in support of attacks
made upon our pickets by guerrillas and bushwhackers, fre
quently followed by useless reconnoissances in search of the
enemy that we never found.

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REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

In the reorganization of the Army of the Potomac and
the formation of the Cavalry Corps, some time in January,
1863, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry was assigned
to the Second Brigade of the First Division of the Cavalry
Corps, and had for its associates in the brigade, the Fourth
New York, the Sixth New York and the Eighth Pennsyl
vania Cavalry regiments, with Colonel Thomas C. Devin as
the brigade commander. With this brigade the regiment
was continuously identified, and participated in all the prin
cipal battles of the Army of the Potomac, and later of the
Army of the Shenandoah until the close of the war. Just
when the Fourth New York and the Eighth Pennsylvania
dropped out of the brigade and the Ninth New York came
in, I do not remember ; but I do know that the Ninth New
York was associated with us during the greater period of
our service, and that the relations between the Ninth New
York and the Seventeenth Pennsylvania were most cordial.

When the spring campaign of 1863 opened, General
Hooker dispatched nearly all his cavalry to the rear of Gen
eral Lee's army to destroy his communication with Rich
mond. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, however,
was one of the regiments which accompanied the Army of
the Potomac to Chancellorsville. Here the regiment really
received its first baptism of fire. Well do I remember the
whiz of the minnie balls, the shriek of the solid shots, and
the screams of the bursted shells on that occasion. It was
music that tried men's souls. In my judgment, the evening
of May 2, 1863, the regiment witnessed one of the most dis
astrous defeats during its entire service. It was the occa
sion of the Eleventh Corps in full retreat before General
Jackson's corps of the Rebel army, driving everything be
fore them. It was at this stage of the battle that our regi
ment was placed in a most critical position, being deployed,
in single file, with drawn sabres in support of the artillery,
who were then heavily engaged, with orders to the regiment
to charge the enemy in case they reached our guns. Gen
eral Pleasonton, in his official report on this engagement,

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REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

said: "I have no doubt that the Rebels took this line for
the head of the heavy column, and thus the artillery, sup
ported by this single line of cavalry, checked them." Pleas-
onton further comments upon the gallantry of the regi
ment by saying: "It was a trying position for the regiment,
but the firm front presented, and the coolness displayed by
the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry in supporting the
batteries and rallying fugitives, saved the day ..and excited
the highest admiration."

The next important engagement in which the regiment
took part was the great cavalry fight at Beverly Ford, June
9th. In this engagement the regiment again supported the
artillery and was under heavy artillery fire all day. In the
retreat crossing the river, the regiment was the rear guard,
when it was especially subjected to the heavy artillery fire
from the enemy. It was in this fight that the regiment lost
its first commissioned line officer, Major Walburn, who was
so badly wounded that he was disabled from further mili
tary service.

On the 24th day of May, Captain William Thompson,
with Companies H and D, was detailed for duty at Fifth
Corps headquarters, commanded by General Meade.

BANKS OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK.

Next we find the regiment on picket duty, picketing the
Rappahannock River from Beverly Ford to White Sulphur
Springs. And while the Army of the Potomac was now on
a forced march north, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cav
alry was the last regiment to withdraw from the Rebel front
on the Rappahannock River, thus forming the extreme rear
guard of Hooker's army. I wonder how many comrades
are here today, who remember the forced march during the
night from the Rappahannock River to Cattlett's Station.
The night was very dark, and the dust must have been eight
to ten inches deep. It was almost impossible for any one to
see his file leader. When we arrived near Cattlett's Station,
just about dawn, the column was halted, and a reconnoiter-
ing party sent out, for it was supposed that the enemy might
have reached the station before we did. The command was

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REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

passed along the line quietly to dismount and stand to horse,
but the men were so exhausted and tired out, that, with
bridle rein in hand, they lay down in the dust in front of
their horses and went to sleep, and it was with some diffi
culty that some were awakened when the column continued
the march. All the way from Cattlett's Station to the Poto
mac River was disputed territory, and in rapid succession
the battles of Aldie, Upperville, Middleburg and Goose
Creek were fought, in all of which the regiment was engag
ed. The regiment, with other troops, crossed the Potomac
River at Edward's Ferry into Maryland, marching thence in
the direction of Frederick City. It was here that we learned
that the Army of the Potomac had changed commanders,
and that General Meade had superseded General Hooker.
A few days later we crossed the boundary line into the loyal
State of Pennsylvania. In our own State we were met by
loyal citizens, who loudly cheered us, which encouraged us
greatly. As long as my memory will serve me, I will re
member the sentinel, a member of Company G, who stood
with his guidon, designating the dividing line between the
States of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and how the boys
raised their caps and cheered for Old Gtory and the patri
otic State of Pennsylvania.

BACK IN PENNSYLVANIA.

On the night of June 29th, the regiment encamped upon
Pennsylvania soil, about eight miles from Waynesboro, al
most in sight of the homes of the members of Company G.
I heard Colonel Bean, in a public address, make the state
ment that Captain Kurtz, commanding Company G, asked
permission at this time to allow his men to visit their homes
during the night, and that this permission was granted upon
condition that every member of the company must report
for duty again at sunrise the following morning; and that,
to the credit of Company G, it could truthfully be said that
every member of the company answered roll call the next
morning.

The next morning the march was continued in the direc
tion of Gettysburg, which town was reached some time in

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REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

the afternoon. Our regiment being in the advance that day,
we were the first troops of the Army of the Potomac to
reach Gettysburg, and the following morning were the first
troops engaged in the fight. Surely all who were with the
regiment at this time will remember the welcome to Gettys
burg. The citizens cheered us, they opened their houses to
us, they sang patriotic songs for us, they entertained us and
fed us with the best they had. If we compare this recep
tion to the receptions we were accustomed to receive on Vir
ginia's soil, what a contrast! I have no doubt it was this
royal welcome, from loyal people, in our own State, which
inspired the boys in blue with a determination to drive the
Rebel host from Pennsylvania's soil at any cost.

And now what shall we say of the part our regiment took
in this greatest of all battles in checking the onward march
of the gigantic Southern invasion upon Northern soil? So
fierce was the main conflict of the infantry and artillery on
the second and third days' fighting, that the first days' fight,
and especially the part taken by the cavalry, is frequently
passed by unnoticed. And because the Union lines were
obliged to retire during the afternoon of the first day's fight,
I always felt that the historian fails to give the credit due to
the troopers who so stubbornly resisted the enemy, and only
yielded their ground because they were outnumbered at
least three to one. Had it not been for the determined re
sistance of the cavalry forces on the morning of the first
day's fight, which held the enemy in check until the infantry
were placed in position on Seminary Ridge, the result of the
battle of Gettysburg might have been very much different.
Some would have us believe that Pickett's charge, Little
Round Top, Devil's Den, the Wheat Field, the Peach Or
chard, or Gulp's Hill, were the only events in the history of
the battle of Gettysburg worthy of special mention. Take
any one of these engagements, and while they were no doubt
fierce, yet they were only of short duration, like a thunder
storm, which soon passes over ; while during the first day's
fight it was a steady, unceasing downpour.

I venture the assertion that the records of the war no
where show more gallant and persistent fighting than on the

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26— 17th R.

REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

first day's fight at Gettysburg. Remember, too, that the first
day's fight was chiefly noted for flank movements on the
part of the Rebel army. When they could not penetrate
our lines, with the large number of men they had on the
field, they could easily outflank our lines, and thus compel
our troops to fall back. To cover these frequent flank move
ments, our forces were entirely inadequate, and our com
mands had to be cut up, and were frequently divided. For
instance, our regiment had one squadron that day at Gen
eral Meade's headquarters, one squadron was supporting a
battery the greater part of the day, while the remainder of
the regiment occupied a number of important positions on
the field. Excepting the squadron at General Meade's head
quarters, under command of Captain Thompson, the regi
ment was again reunited in the evening and formed on
Cemetery Hill, covering the Emmitsburg Road. During
the night the regiment changed positions and in the morning
was in line of battle to the left of the Emmitsburg Road, in
the rear of the famous Peach Orchard. Almost immediate
ly after daylight we were exchanging compliments with the
enemy and held -them in check until relieved by the Third
Corps, commanded by General Sickles. We then moved to
the left flank and continued the line to Little Round Top,
and advanced in skirmish line through the Wheat Field,
around Devil's Den, and through the woods in front, and
finally passed through Vincent Spur to the extreme left of
the Union army, guarding General Meade's supply trains,
which were threatened by the Rebel cavalry.

ON THE MOVE DAY AND NIGHT.

After the battle of Gettysburg, the main army of General
Meade had a little lull, but not the cavalry. Day after day,
and night after night, were the cavalry on the move, watch
ing the enemy's movements, until General Lee had not only
recrossed the Potomac, but continued his southern retreat
until he was again on his own fighting-ground beyond the
Rappahannock River. In all of these pursuits our- regiment
did its full share of the hard and perilous duties which fell
to the lot of the cavalry at that time. Time will not permit

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REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

to go into details of all the engagements in which the regi
ment participated during Lee's retreat. I simply mention
them in the order given by Colonel Bean in his "Roll of
Honor."

"Williamsport, July 6th ; Funcktown, July 7th ; Beaver
Creek, July 8th ; Boonsboro, July 9th ; Falling Waters, July
I4th; Brandy Station, August ist; Brandy Station, Septem
ber I4th; Raccoon's Ford, September 1/j.th; Barnett's Ford,
September 2oth; Morton's Ford, October nth."

On the 27th day of August, 1863, Captain Thompson,
with Companies H and D, again returned to the regiment.
And, as my memory serves me now, in one of the skir
mishes, either at Barnett's Ford or Morton's Ford, Lieuten
ant-colonel Anderson was slightly wounded in the arm, but
continued in command of the regiment, he having his wound
dressed on the skirmish line. And now commenced a series
of almost continued fighting and marching manoeuvers, cov
ering General Meade's retreat from the Rapidan River to
Centreville, when the Second Brigade, First Cavalry Divi
sion, was selected to cover the retreat of the main army.
You, no doubt, remember under what difficulties and how
slowly those supply trains moved, and how we were obliged
at Stephensburg, Brandy Station, Rappahannock Station,
Oak Hill, Thoroughfare Gap, Liberty and Bealton Station,
to hold the enemy in check until those abominable wagon
trains could get out of the way. Then came the counter
march, driving the enemy back again, almost over the same
ground, fighting the battle of Rickseyville, Mine Run, and
all the way back again to the Rapidan River. This was a
campaign of great activity, in which the regiment sustained
its proportionate share of losses with other similar com
mands. The regiment went into winter quarters at Cul-
pepper Court House, and did picket duty during the winter
months.

On the 27th day of February, 1864, General Kilpatrick
started on his famous raid to Richmond with 5,000 select
troopers, of which the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry-
furnished 200 men, under command of Captain Spera. This

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REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

was regarded as a hazardous undertaking, and, if my mem
ory serves me correctly, the expedition was a failure, rather
than a success.

BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS.

Now came the opening of the spring campaign of 1864,
and the first of a series of engagements was the battle of
the Wilderness. Several important flank movements of the
Army of the Potomac were executed, in which the cavalry
figured prominently. On the 9th day of May the cavalry
corps cut loose from the main army and made a detour
around General Lee's right flank and cut his communication
with Richmond. Beaver Dam Station was the first point of
attack, which was made during the night, where two Con
federate supply trains were captured, and the provisions
which were intended for Lee's army, chiefly of meat and
flour, were now used to replenish our own haversacks. It
was amusing the following morning, to see the boys having
either a ham or a piece of bacon strapped to their saddles.
The provisions not wanted were, of course, burned. Here,
too, a large number of Union prisoners on their way to
Richmond were recaptured. They were so rejoiced at our
coming that some cheered, some laughed and some wept for
joy. Here, too, a number of carloads of Union arms, cap
tured from the Union army, were recaptured; and when
these cars were set on fire, many of these arms being load
ed, exploded, and for a little while created quite an excite
ment.

Now commenced the march toward Richmond, and the
tearing up of the railroad. We, however, did not get very
far until we were met by the Rebel cavalry, and had sev
eral very interesting skirmishes with them. The battles of
Todd's Tavern and Yellow Tavern were fought, where the
Rebel General Stuart was killed. After the last-mentioned
fight, and evidently expecting a night attack, our regiment
was deployed as skirmishers, covering the pike leading into
Richmond. Early the next morning, before daylight, our
troops passed through our skirmish line in the direction of
Richmond until we were inside of the outer line of the city's

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REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

entrenchments. The head of the column then filed to the
left in the direction of the Chickahominy River, where the
Rebel cavalry again intercepted our march.

Now came a critical period. The bridge across the river
was poorly constructed, partially destroyed, and barricaded
by the enemy on the opposite side. It was with considerable
difficulty that the bridge was reconstructed, as it had to be
done under the fire of the Rebel skirmishers. It was only
by the continued shelling of the Rebel skirmishers by our
batteries that the work was finally completed. As soon as
the bridge was finished, it was our regiment which, dismount
ed, first charged over the bridge and dislodged the Rebel
skirmishers from their temporary breastworks. The first
charge was a failure, but in the second we drove them out of
their works and completely routed them. It was in this fight
that Captain Shultz was killed. In the meantime the enemy
brought out such reserve forces as were available in the city
of Richmond, and pressed our rear and right flank very
hard, almost surrounding our forces. For several hours it
was a fearful struggle. Shot and shell fell thick and fast
from the front and rear as well. So critical was the condi
tion at one time that General Custer, commanding the
Michigan Brigade, in order to cheer his men, ordered his
band to the front and had them play the "Star Spangled
Banner" in the midst of the fight.

The expedition, after having been within the Rebel lines
for about two weeks, rejoined the Army of the Potomac at
Chesterfield, May 25th. The troops went into camp, ex
pecting a few days of rest, but, on the 27th, we were again
in our saddles. We crossed the Pamunkey River and en
gaged the enemy at Hanovertown, and after several charges
drove them from their position. On the 28th the battle of
Hawe's Shop was fought ; and again, on the 3Oth, the battle
of Old Church was fought, where the regimental quarter
master, Lieutenant Anglun, was killed, and Captain Tice
was wounded. Then, on the 3ist, followed the battle of
Cold Harbor, in which the tables were turned, and we were
badly repulsed. The fight was renewed the following morn
ing, when an assault was made upon our lines by the enemy.

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REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

We again defeated them with heavy losses. The fields in
front of our lines were covered with their dead. But the
much-needed rest for both men and horses did not come
yet, for we are again in the saddle.

This time we are off on the expedition known as the Tre-
vilian Raid, marching day and night. While on this march
the regiment was sent on a special errand to the old Spott-
sylvania battlefield, where it was reported that some thirty-
five Union prisoners were famishing in a hospital. These
prisoners were brought away by the regiment. The regiment
rejoined the command again at Trevilian Station, June nth,
and found it engaged with the enemy, evidently in superior
numbers. Immediately upon our arrival, we were sent to
the front and became hotly engaged, sustaining heavy losses.
General Sheridan, who was in command of the expedition,
finding the enemy too strong, returned to the Army of the
Potomac. On the return march, we were frequently annoy
ed by the Rebel cavalry, who followed us, and before we
reached the Army of the Potomac the following engage
ments were fought : White House Landing, June 22d ;
Jones' Bridge, June 23d; Charles City Court House, June
24th. In each of these engagements the regiment sustained
considerable losses.

On the 26th of June, the expedition crossed the James
River, and we were once more with the Army of the Poto
mac. Here we received blank muster and pay rolls, and
were ordered to have them prepared for pay. But I dis
tinctly remember, while in the act of making out the com
pany's rolls, the old familiar call of "Boots and Saddles"
was heard, and we were hustled out of camp with the great
est possible speed in support of General Wilson, command
ing the Third Cavalry Division, who, it was reported, had
been badly defeated in an engagement along the Weldon
Railroad. We arrived too late to take a hand in the fight,
and, as the enemy did not follow up their victory to any ex
tent, we again went into camp, finished our pay rolls, and
received our $13 a month pay.

We finally did get a few weeks' rest. But on July 27th
we were again on the march. This time we crossed the

402

REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

James River and advanced, on the other side, in the direc
tion of Richmond. We engaged the enemy at Darbytown
and completely routed them. On the night of the 33th, we
recrossed the river and took a position under cover, in the
rear of the fortifications confronting Petersburg, awaiting the
blowing up of a Confederate fort, which was to have occurred
shortly after midnight, but did not take place until about
seven o'clock in the morning (as my memory serves me
now). For some reason, which has been a subject of much
public controversy, this attack was a failure. Surely the
cavalry could not be of any service in this engagement, so
we were relegated to the rear and went into camp near City
Point. About this time, General Sheridan was transferred
to the Army of the Shenandoah, and, as there was very
little for the cavalry to do in the rear of the heavy fortifica
tions in front of Petersburg, the First and Third Divisions
of the Cavalry Corps were transferred from the Army of
the Potomac to the Army of the Shenandoah. From City
Point we were taken on government transports to Wash
ington, and thence, overland route, to Harper's Ferry.
Some of you may remember how the boys enjoyed
themselves the night we marched through the streets of
Washington.

We did not have to wait long for something to do in our
new field of operation, for, on the nth day of August, with
the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry in advance, the army
moved up the Shenandoah Valley. At White Post we
found the enemy and drove them back as far as Newtown,
where they seemed determined to resist our further advance.
The regiment was ordered to charge, and, after a brisk little
fight, the enemy was completely routed. We now moved to
near Front Royal, where we again dislodged them with
heavy losses. In this engagement, you will remember, Gen
eral Devin, our brigade commander, was wounded — shot in
the toe, as I remember it. We still pushed forward to near
Kearnville, where we met the enemy in full force, and,
after a sharp engagement, we not only failed to dislodge
them, but were driven back with heavy losses on our side.
In this engagement Colonel Durland and Captain Thomp-

403

REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

son were wounded. We retreated in the direction of
Shepherdstown, and the enemy followed us so closely that
we could hardly get away from them. In one of the charges
we made, Lieutenant Potter was killed. From this time
on, almost continual skirmishing and reconnoitering was
kept up, which finally led up to the battle of Winchester,
September 19. The part taken by the regiment in this
ever-memorable fight is briefly told as follows : The First
Division of the Cavalry Corps was massed on the extreme
light of Sheridan's infantry. At a certain signal, the whoje
division moved forward in the following order, viz. : The
Second Brigade in advance of the division, and the Seven
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry in advance of the Second Bri
gade. In regimental front we moved forward with such a
shout as I had never heard before, carrying everything
before it. The enemy evidently were not prepared for such
a flank movement; their lines gave way and were driven
up the valley in the direction of Winchester in great con
fusion, sustaining heavy losses. The retreat of the Rebel
army over the hills of Winchester was one of the most
beautiful sights I Saw in all of my military experience. This
battle was the high water mark of the rebellion in the Shen-
andoah Valley.

The following morning the regiment was ordered to report
to Colonel E. O. Edwards, who was post commander at Win
chester, while the main army followed the Rebel retreat up
the Shenandoah Valley. The regiment here served in the
capacity of a reserve post, for the purpose of keeping open
the line of communication between the base of supply be
tween Harper's Ferry, Martinsburg and the front, and to
guard against the frequent attacks of Mosby's guerrillas.
This, as you all know, was Mosby's stamping-ground, his
forces being composed of from three hundred to five hun
dred guerrillas and bushwackers. They were citizens by
day and bushwackers by night. They would send their
spies within the Union lines during the day and get all
the information they could, and then with a sufficient num
ber of men, they would surround and capture our pickets
or would lie in ambush and capture our patrols. When

404

REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

pursued, they would scatter to their homes and were citi
zens. To keep open the line of communication from Mar-
tinsburg and Harper's Ferry to the front, required almost
unceasing service. It was nothing unusual for men who had
returned from details to be called out again the same day or
the same night, neither was it unusual to hear reports of a de
tail being bushwacked or fired upon from ambush, and, on a
number of occasions, entire details were either captured or
killed. I venture to say, the regiment during that period of
five or six weeks' duty at Winchester, lost more men than in
any one year of its most active service. We all rejoiced when
the order came to report again to our old brigade comman
der, General Devin. An item of special interest, which
occurred while we were stationed at Winchester, was the
fact that Major Spera, with a detachment from the regi
ment, had the distinguished honor of escorting General
Sheridan from Martinsburg to Winchester, where he re
mained all night, and again accompanied him the next morn
ing on his famous ride to the front.

On the i Qth day of December, 1864, the regiment start
ed on what was then known as the Gordonsville Raid, com
manded by General Torbett. We marched up the valley as
far as Front Royal, where we crossed over into Loudon
Valley, and thence up the valley to White Ford, where we
met the enemy, and by continued skirmishing, drove
them back to Gordonsville, where we were met by
their infantry in force, and we were obliged to
fall back. In this retreat the Seventeenth Regiment was
the rear guard, and was obliged, three or four times dur
ing the day, to check the attacks upon its rear column. In
one of these attacks, Lieutenant Lee was killed. When the
regiment returned to their old camp, near Winchester, there
was good news. Colonel Kellogg, who had been absent from
the regiment for a long time, had resigned, and the fol
lowing much-merited promotions were announced, viz. :
Lieutenant-colonel Anderson was promoted to colonel;
Major Durland was made lieutenant-colonel; Captains
Kurtz and Thompson were made majors. A number of

405

REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

other promotions were also made, which I cannot now re
call.

On the 3ist day of December, 1864, the entire Second
Brigade of the First Cavalry Division was sent via Harper's
Ferry into the Loudon Valley, and went into winter quar
ters near Lovettsville, doing picket duty. Here we had
fairly good quarters, and the men and horses had a good
opportunity to rest for the spring campaign which so soon
followed.

On the 24th day of February, 1865, General Sheridan
started with his whole cavalry force upon an expedition,
known as the James River Canal Raid, and again cut Lee's
rear communications. The work of destruction commenced
at Scottsville, where locks were blown up, whilst mills and
supplies of all kinds were destroyed. This was an eventful
expedition. Almost constantly in the saddle, we encountered
continued rains, muddy roads, swollen streams, and other ob
structions, all of which were faced and endured by the
men with the usual soldierly patience.

After the cavalry had successfully accomplished its mis
sion in Lee's rear, we joined hands again with the Army
of the Potomac and participated in the final windup of the
Southern Confederacy. The curtain of the last act of this
wonderful drama was raised upon a series of spirited en
gagements with scarcely any intermissions. I will simply
name the engagements in which the regiment participated in
their regular order, viz. : Stony Creek, March 30 ; Dinwiddie
Court House, March 3ist; Five Forks, April ist; Scott's
Cross Roads, April 2d ; Drummon's Mill, April 4th ; Sailor's
Creek, April 6th ; Appomattox Station, April 8th ; Appo-
mattox Court House, April 9th.

At Five Forks the loss of the regiment was severe. It
was here that Captain Ham was mortally wounded. English,
Donnehoo, Reinhold, Anglun and other commissioned offi
cers were also wounded. And right here, permit me to say
tc my comrades of the rank and file, because I made frequent
mention of the commissioned officers who were either
killed or wounded, I would not have you think that they
were more worthy of mention than the men who wore the

406

REVIEW OF THE REGIMENT

chevron or the plain blouse of the private soldier. It was
the bravery and heroism of the men who carried the musket
and the carbine that made it possible for the commissioned
officers to receive the favorable mention so frequently ac
corded them. And to the rank and file more than to the
men who wore the shoulder straps, the eagle and the stars,
i& our country indebted for the glorious victories achieved
and the preservation of our national integrity and unity.

But the war is over. No more battles. In a few weeks
we are on our way home. We reach the city of Washing
ton and stop long enough in the nation's capital to pass once
more in grand review, and present arms for the last time
to our commander-in-chief. And who of us does not re
member the 23d day of May, 1865 ! Pennsylvania avenue
was packed and crowded with enthusiastic people. The air
was full of shouts and patriotic music. The whole country
was wild with joy. The brave boys that were left were
marching home. After the grand review, the regiment went
into camp at Cloud's Mill, just beyond Alexandria, Va.,
where it was mustered out of the service, June 16, 1865,
and the members of this noble organization, after an aver
age service of about 1,000 days, became private citizens
again, and their records passed into history.

407

JACOB POTTER.

LIEUTENANT COMPANY G, GREENCASTLE, PENNSYLVANIA.

On the evening of September 8, 1862, Jacob Potter, H. G.
Bonebrake, T. H. Trone and G. H. Foreman met in the
town of Waynesboro, Pa., and after discussing the issues
of the Civil War, determined to enter the military service.
They at once went to the office of Michael H. Stoner, a
Justice of the Peace, and enrolled their names on the muster
roll of the Waynesboro Cavalry, then being recruited in
Franklin county. The company later became identified with
the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was
designated as Company G. This quartett soon became boon
companions and messed together until the spring of 1865,
when Messrs. Bonebrake and Potter were promoted to
the rank of lieutenants.

During the battle of Winchester, September 19, 1864, Mr.
Potter, who was then quartermaster sergeant of his com
pany, performed a heroic deed which won for him his pro
motion later. In a charge upon the enemy's rearguard,
the Confederate forces turned and made a savage attack
upon the Union cavalry, who were compelled to retreat
temporarily. Sergeant Potter was surrounded by the Con
federate cavalry and his surrender was demanded. He was
well mounted, gave his horse the spurs, cut his way through
the Confederate line and made his escape.

When the regiment was mustered out of service, June 16,
1865, Lieutenant Potter was retained in the service and
transferred to the deparment in Kentucky, where he was
mustered out, August 7, 1865.

Lieutenant Potter was born near Waynesboro, Pa., Sep
tember 14, 1841, and died August 17, 1907. His remains
were deposited in the family plot of Green Hill Cemetery at
Waynesboro with Military honors.

408

J.u/on POTTF.R.
Lieutenant, Company G, Greencastle, Pa.

REGIMENTAL ROSTER

REGIMENTAL ROSTER.

In submitting the roster of the regiment, the History
Committee regrets that it has not been able to secure a
complete service record of every member of the regiment.
Every available source of information was followed up.
The committee finds that it is almost impossible at this late
date to check up every man's service record who was at
any time identified with the regiment. The committee had
hoped that the desired information could be secured from
the War Department at Washington D. C., from the official
records. Upon application to the Secretary of War, the in
formation asked for was refused, and the reason given was,
"that it would entail too much clerical labor to comply
with all such requests." A second appeal was made at the
office of the Secretary of War, in person, by the author,
accompanied by an assistant, to do the work, if permission
was granted to examine the records of the regiment. This
request was just as emphatically refused.

While the government officials are to be commended for
thus carefully guarding valuable records, it is a ques
tion whether they are justified in withholding important
information which can be obtained in no other way, from
men, who have rendered valuable service to their country.
Let the reader judge.

After voluminous correspondence the committee finally
decided to have complete transcripts made of the roster of
the regiment as published by Samuel P. Bates, Pennsylva
nia's great war historian and author of Pennsylvania Vol
unteers, 1861-1865, and that proof sheets be mailed to re
presentative men of the respective companies still living with
a request to revise the same and make corrections where
errors were known to exist. This was done with gratifying
results. The committee feel justified in saying that it has
done all that could reasonably be expected, and that the fol
lowing roster is as complete as can be secured at this late
date.

411

FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

JosiahH. Kellogg
Jas. Q. Anderson

John B. M'Allister
Coe Durland

David B. Hartranft
Reuben R. Reinhold . . .
Weidner H Spera

Colonel..
...do...

Lt. Col. .
...do...

Major.. .
do

Nov. 19, '62
Sept. 6, '62

Oct. 7, '62
Oct. 23, '62

Oct. 14, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Oct. 24, '62

Oct. 30, '62
Nov. 1, '62

Resigned December 27, 1864.
Promoted from Captain Co. A. to Major, June 13, 1863 —
to Lt. Col., April 30, 1864 — to Col. Jan. 23, 1865 — dis
charged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Pr. fr. Capt. Co. I, Nov. 6, '62— res. May 31, 1863.
Pr. fr. Capt. Co. M, to Major, Nov. 20, 1862— to Lt. Col.,
Feb. 13, 1865— Bv. Col., March 13, 1865— discharged by
General Order, June 20, 1865.
Pr. fr. Capt. Co. L, Nov. 20, '62— res. Jan. 11, 1863.
Pr. fr. 1st Lt. Co. E, Oct. 22, '62— res. Aug. 9, 1864.
Promoted from Captain company C, Aug. 10, '64 — dis
charged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Promoted from Captain company G, Feb. 13, '65 — dis
charged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Pr. from Capt. Co. H, Feb. 13, 1865— Bv. Lt. Col., Mar.
13, 1865— discharged by G. O., June 20, 1865.
Promoted from 1st Sergeant company E, Nov. 20, 1862 — •
resigned May 31, 1863.
Promoted from 1st Sgt. Co. K, Nov. 6, 1863 — discharge
by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Promoted from 1st Lt. company K, Nov. 21, 1862 — killed
at Old Church Tavern, Va., May 30, 1864.
Promoted from Sergeant company L, July 22, 1864 — dis
charged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Promoted from private company A, Nov. 19, '62 — to Cap
tain company B, Dec. 29, 1862.
Promoted from Com. Sgt. Co. A, to Com. Sgt., Nov. 1,
1862 — to Com. Sub., May 26, 1865 — discharged by
General Order, June 20, 1865.
Resigned September 28, 1863.
Promoted from Ass't Surgeon 62d regiment P. V., Oct. 23,
1863— resigned April 6, 1864.
Promoted from Ass't Surgeon 110th regiment P. V., May
2, 1864— disch. by G. O., June 28, 1865.
Resigned July 18, 1863.
Discharged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Resigned March 8, 1863.
Discharged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Discharged Aug. 7, to date Jan. 16, 1865.
Promoted from Q. M. Sergeant company I, Nov. 1, 1862
— transferred to company I, Aug. 25, 1863.
Promoted from Corporal company I, Aug. 23, '63 — to 1st
Lt. company I, July 22, 1864.
Promoted from private company B, Aug. 1, 1864 — to 2d
Lt. company D. Dec. 28, 1864.
Promoted from private company M, July 21, 1864 — to 2d
Lt. company M, June 10, 1865.
Promoted from 1st Sergeant company B, June 10, 1865 —
mustered out with regiment, June 16, 1865.
Promoted from private company I, Jan. 1, 1865 — dis
charged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Promoted from private company A, May 26, 1863 — mus
tered out with regiment, June 16, 1865.
Promoted from private company M, Oct. 54, 1863 — mus
tered out with regiment, June 16, 186.
Promoted from private company K, March 1, 1864 — mus
tered out with regiment, June 16, 1865.
Promoted from private company D, Nov. 20, 1862 — dis
charged on Surgeon's certificate, April 11, 1863.
Promoted from private company B, April 9, 1863 — dis
charged on Surg. certificate — date unknown.
Promoted from private company K, April 6, 1863 — mus
tered out with regiment, June 16, 1865.
Promoted from private company M, Nov. 1, 1862 — trans
ferred to company M, April 6, 1863.
Promoted from bugler company B, Nov. 1, 1864 — dis
charged by General Order, June 21, 1865.
Promoted from private company B, Nov. 1, 1862 — trans
ferred to company B, May 26, 1863.

Luther B. Kurtz
William Thompson. . . .

...do...
. do

Perry J Tate

Adj
...do...
Q. M....
...do...
C.S
...do...

Surg
. ..do. ..

...do...

As. Sur..
. ..do. ..
Chap. . .
...do...
V. Surg
Sr.Maj . .

...do...
...do. ..
...do...
do

Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 17, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62

Jan. 10, '63
Aug. 2, '62

April 8, '63

Oct. 23, '62
April 10, '63
Nov. 21, '62
Mar. 24, '65
June. 4, '63
Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 6, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 3, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 30, '62
Oct. 3, '62
Feb. 28, '64
Sept. 21, '62

James A. Clark
John Anglun
Edwin A. Bean

Henry M . Donehoo ....
John P. Ross

Isaac Walborn
Thad S. Gardner

George B . Pomeroy ....

James B. Moore
J. Wilson DeWitt
Henry A. Wheeler
Robert S. Morton
Samuel M Drew

George S. Drexler
Isaac N. Grubb
Stanley N. Mitchell
James Brannon
Jerome I. Stanton

Thomas H. Boyd

Q.M.Sr..
Com.Sr..
Hos.St..
...do...
do

Henry J. Tarble

Peter F. Clark

John M. Furman
James N. Smith
Thomas Lawrence
William C.Walker
James Hyde

...do...
Saddler..
...do...
Ch. Bug
Farrier. .

Jonathan M . Darrow. . .

412

COMPANY A.

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Daniel M. Donehoo.. . .
James Q. Anderson ....
Pius A. English

John Sweeney
James Potter

Brice S. Ramsey

David G. Bruce
John M. McCorkey....

Thomas W. Brooks
David Dunn

Capt
...do...
...do...

1st Lt. . .
...do...

...do...

2dLt...
IstSgt..

Q.M.Sr..
...do. . .

Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62

Sept. 20, '62
Sept. 6, '62

Sept. 6, '62

Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62

Sept. 6, '62

Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sent. 6, '62

Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62

Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Jan.. 25, '64

Sept. 6, '62

Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Feb. 26, '64

Oct. 10, '64

Discharged by special order, Dec. 11, 1862.
Pr. from 1st Lt., Dec. 11, '62 — to Major, June 13, '63.
Pr. fr. 1st Sgt. to 2d Lt., Dec. 11, '62 — to Capt., Mar. 22,
'64— wd. at Five Forks, Va., April 1, '65— mus. out with
Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.
Discharged by special order, Aug. 15, 1863.
Promoted from Sergeant, March 22, 1864 — killed at Shep-
herdstown, W. Va., Aug. 25, 1864.
Promoted from Sergeant to 2d Lieutenant, Dec. 18, 1864
—to 1st Lieutenant, March 10, 1865 — disch. by General
Order, June 20, 1865.
Pr. to 2d Lt., March 10, 1865 — mustered out with Co. F,
2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 1, 1863 — to Com. Sgt., May 1, 1864 — to
Q. M. Sgt., Jan. 1, 1865— to 1st Sgt., March 10, 1865—
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. from Cor. to Sgt., Jan. 1, 1863 — to Q. M. Sgt., March
10, 1865 — mus. out with Co., June 16, 1865.
Pr. fr. Cor., Nov. 1, '63— to*Sgt., Nov. 1, '64— to Com.
Sgt., Jan. 1, 1865 — to Q. M. Sgt. — date unknown —
died on board U.S. Transport, March 18, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., Nov., 1863 — to Sgt., Jan. 1, 1865 — to Com.
Sgt., March 18, '65— mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Promoted to Regimental Com. Sgt., Nov. 1, 1862.
Pr. fr. Cor., Nov. 1, '63 — mus. out with Co., June 16/65.
Pr. fr. priv., to 2d duty Sergeant, June 3, 1863 — mus. out
with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. fr. priv., Mar. 1, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Promoted to Corporal, Jan. 1, 1865 — to Sergeant, March
1, 1865— mus. out with Co., June 16, 1865.
Discharged December 18, 1862.
Discharged December 10, 1863.
Pr. to Cor., Jan. 1, '65— to Sgt., March 1, 1865— mus. out
with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
Died at Washington, D. C., Jan. 25, 1863 — buried in
Military Asylum Cemetery.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 1, '64— mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Jan. 1, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Mar. 1, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Mar. 1, '65— mus. out with Co., June 16. '65.
Pr. to Cor., Mar. 1, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., May 1, 1864 — wd. at Shepherdstown, W. Va.,
Aug. 25, '64 — ab., in hospital, at mus. out.
Pr.Tto Corporal, March 1, 1865 — mustered out with Co. G,
2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.
Killed on picket, Feb. 6, 1863.
Deserted March 18, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Bug., Mar. 1, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16; '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Blacksmith, Jan. 2, 1863 — mustered out with
company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 1, 1863.
Discharged by General Order, May 31, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged March 15, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 12, 1865.
Absent, wounded, at muster out.
Tr. to Co. C, 6th reg. Vet. Res. Corps, July 20, '64— dis
charged by General Order, July 5, 1865.
Absent, wounded, at muster out.
Mus. out with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

John D. Irons.. . .

Com. Sr.

...do...
Serg't. . .
..do

John P. Ross
Daniel Swearinger
Joseph E. M'Cabe

Samuel Cristler
Reed Wallace

...do...
. do...

...do...
...do...
...do...

...do...

Corp. . . .
...do. . .
...do...
...do. ..

Thomas S. Javeus
Am'h Hendrickson
Israel Watterhouse ....

Frank M . Donehoo ....

John A. Wilson
John Potts
Michael Caler
M. M 'Zimmerman

David M. Bruce
John Mowry

...do...
do .

Abram A. Hartford ....
Jas. M. Lourimore

...do...
...do. . .

Milo Cane

Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62

Sept. 6, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Sept. 6, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62

Mar. 10, '64
Jan. 29, '64
Oct. 27, '64
Aug. 31, '64

David Hall

John M'Cluskey
William Staub
Alex. A. Campbell

Bugler. .
...do...
Black'h.
...do...

...do...
Saddler..
Private..
...do...
...do. ..

Lycur's Richardson. . . .

Samuel Robertson
Freeman D. Barnes. . . .
Anderson, Findley

Anderson, William
Bruce, George W

Boyland, Michael D. . .
Beck, William H
Braden, Thomas A. ...
Brooks, John M
Baker, Benjamin

Bradley, Oscar A
Boyd, Edmundson
Blanchard, H. W
Craig, George

...do...
. ..do. ..
...do. ..
...do...
...do...

...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do...
...do...

27— 17th R.

413

COMPANY A. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Calhoon, John
Campbell, James
Christy, Thomas S
Cooper, William C
Collins, Ellwood A
Corbus, Daniel R
Crooks. Nath'lK
Duck, George W
Duck, John H
Dolby, John
Dutrow Lewis

Private..
. ..do. ..
...do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. ..
do

Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Oct. 7, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Aug. 24, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Dec. 29, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Jan. 29, '64
Feb. 25, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 29, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Mar. 25, '64
Feb. 26, '64
Aug. 23, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 23, '63

Sept. 3, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Aug. 6, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62

Aug. 8, '64
Jan. 26, '64

Feb. 26, '64

Oct. 27, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Sept. 1, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 28, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 29, 1862.
Mus. out with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Captured — died at Salisbury, N. C., Jan. 8, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Com. Sub., Nov. 19, 1862.
Pr. to Reg. Commissary Sergeant May 26, 1863.
Died at Gettysburg, Pa., July 6, 1863.
Deserted Npvember 10, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Absent at muster out.
Mus. out with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died at Washington, D. C., July 10, 1864.
Discharged on Surgeon's cert., March 24, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 31, 1865..
Discharged February 6, 1863.
Mus. out with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. D, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 7, 1865.
Deserted October 10, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Discharged January 19, 1863.
Drafted — mustered out with company G, 2d regiment Pro
visional Cavalry, August 7, 1865.
Died at Winchester, Va., December 24, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 6, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's cert., March 24, 1863.
Discharged January 25, 1864.
Discharged by General Order, May 31, 1865.
Killed on picket, February 6, 1863.
Killed at White House Landing, Va., June 21 '64 — bu. in
Nat. Cem., Yorktown, sec. A, grave, 39.
Killed at Fisher's Hill, Va., October 1, 1864.
Died June 26, of wds. rec. near White House Landing ,Va.,
June 21, '64— bu. in Nat. Cem., Arlington.
Died Aug. 13, of wds. rec. at Newtown, Va., Aug.ll, '64 —
bu. in Nat. Cem., Winchester, Va., lot 10.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 22, 1865.
Discharged February 17, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, May 15, 1865.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged September 8, 1863.

Donehoo, Henry M. . . .
English, John A
Ewing, George
Erwine, Curtis
Fritz, Frederick
Frank, Joseph C
Fish, William W
Grove, Joseph
Gilbert, George
Glendening, John
Gamble, Harvey
Hamilton, David

...do. ..

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
do

. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Horner, James
Hazell, William
Hann, George W
Hartford, John A
Heister, Wm. C
Kriner, Michael
Knowles, James S
Kenard , Joseph
Lutton, Samuel
Link, Daniel J
Langfitt, James C

...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
... do ...
do

Lindsey, David G

Livers, Francis D
Morris, John R
Miller, Godfrey. ...'...
Moffitt, John G

...do...

...do...
. ..do. . .
...do. . .
. ..do. ..

Miller James

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. ..
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .

...do. . .
...do...

...do...

...do. . .
...do...
. ..do...

Mehaffy, Stewart
Marratta, James
Marker, Sampson
Minor, Stephen

Morgan, Calvin
Miller, Leonard
Martin, John A

Miller, Michael
Marquart, Jacob F. . . .

Mercer, David

Matthews, Frank
M'Collough, John
M' Brier, William
M'Coy, Hezekiah
M'Coy, John
M'Gonigal, James
M'Dowell, Wm. H
M'Mahon, Joshua C. . .
M'Coy, Thomas
M'Elhaney, Wm
M'Grath, William
Nevin, Harper P
Noss, William J

...do...
. ..do. . .
...do. ..
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...

414

COMPANY A. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Niblo, David H

Phillips, Potts
Parker, James G

Private..

...do...
do

Sept. 6, '62

Sept. 3, '64
Sept. 1, '64
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Oct. 27, '64
Sept. 6, '62

Oct. 27, '64

Died Aug. 12, of wds. rec. at Newtown, Va., Aug. 11, 1864
— buried in Nat. Cem., Winchester — lot 18.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, July 26, 1864.
Mus. out with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died June 9, of wds. rec. at Cold Harbor, May 31, 1864—
buried in Nat. Cemetery, Arlington, Va.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 24, 1864.
Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Sept. 30, 1863.
Captured— died at Salisbury, N. C., Jan. 24, 1865.
Captured — died at Salisbury, N. C., Dec. 29, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 21, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 8, 1865.
Discharged February 2, 1863.
Wounded at Hanover C. H., Va., May 28, 1864— absent,
in hospital, at muster out.
Killed at Shepherdstown, Va.
Captured — died — date unknown.
Died at Acquia Creek, Va., Jan. 10, 1863.
Died at Acquia Creek, Va., Feb. 28, 1863.

Parkinson, John T
Purvis, Alex'r A
Pauley, George W
Potts, Joseph

...do...
...do...
...do. ..

...do...
. . .do. . .

Russell, Boston S
Risinger, Rich'd W. . . .
Reed. William H
Ramsey, Milton G
Roemer, Nicholas
Smith, George B.

. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Feb. 25, '64
Mar. 29, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Aug. 30, '64
Aug. 8, '64
Aug. 6, '62
Aug. 1, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Feb. 27, '64

Feb. 27, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Nov. 11, '64
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 6, '62
Aug. 24, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Aug. 10, '64
Aug. 10, '64
Aug. 24, '64
Sept. 18, '62
Feb. 27, '64
Sept. 6, '62
Feb. 27, '64

Streit, John

...do. . .

Streit, Benjamin
Secrist, Abraham
Simpson, William.

...do...
. ..do. ..
. do

Staub, Charles

Stone Philip

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .

...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Slick Milton J

Sands, William

Stoops, James W
Smith John H

Searight, Thomas
Searight, Harvey
Stanton, Michael

Not on muster out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged November 28, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Absent, in hospital, at muster out.
Mus. out with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Captured — died at Richmond, Va., June 22, 1864.
Not on muster-out roll.
Not on muster-out roll.

Thorn, John
Thomas, Henry
Tuttle, J. Hill
Todd, Thomas

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Wolf, Daniel
White, Arthur W
Withrow, Robert
Wolf, Jacob
Wolf, Frederick J
Wetsel, Samuel J
Wilkinson, John M . . . .
Whitehill, Wm. W
White, Joseph
Whitehill, John

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. ..

Ward, Alexander

...do...

Oct. 29, '64

COMPANY B.

David E. Whitney

Capt. . . .

Oct. 20, '62 Discharged by special order, Dec. 29, 1862.

Henry M. Donehoo. . . .

. ..do. . .

Sept. 6, '62 Promoted from Com. Sub., Dec. 29, 1862 — wounded at

Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865 — absent, in hospital, at

muster out.

Merrick T. Whitney . . . , 1st Lt. . .

Sept. 23, '62

Resigned January 2, 1863.

Warren F. Simrell ! . . .do . . .

Sept. 21, '62

Pr. fr. 1st Sgt., Dec. 15, '62— to Capt. Co. D, July 22, '64.

W.N. Chamberlain.... ...do...

Sept. 21, '62

Pr. fr. Q. M. Sgt. to 2d Lt., Jan. 11, '63— to 1st Lt., July 4,

1864 — Bv. Capt. and Major, Mar. 13, 1865 — mus. out

with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

William A. Larue 2d Lt . . .

Oct. 20, '62

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 13, 1865.

Asa D. Corse

. ..do. . .

Sept. 27, '62

Promoted from 1st Sgt., July 23, 1864 — mustered out with

Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.

Jerome I. Stanton

IstSgt..

Sept. 21, '62

Promoted from Q. M. Sgt., April 1, 1865 — to Sergt. Major,

June 10, 1865.

Mat'w M'Pherson ..do. . .

Sept. 21, '62

Killed at Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865.

James E. Custis

Q.M.Sr..

Sept. 21, '62

Pr. to Cor., Aug. 17, '63 — to Sgt., Jan. 1, '65 — to Q. M.

Sgt., Apr. 1, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

Dennis Shay

Com.Sr..

Sept. 21, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Edwin A. French

Serg't. . .

Sept. 21, '62

Pr. to Sgt., Jan., '63 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

415

COMPANY B. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

George H. French
Edward E. Thayer
Martin V. Bisbee
Wm. H. Brookins

Russell V. Whitney
Richard C. DuBois. . . .

Erastus Bennett

Jerry Sivers
Wm. G. Seamans
George F. Rezane
Elisha N. Lord

Free'n P.Whitney
Stanley Stone
Tim. C. Simpson

Serg't. . .
...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...

...do...
...do.. .

. ..do. . .

Corp
...do...
... do ...
...do. . .

...do...
...do...

...do. ..
...do...
...do...

. ..do. . .

...do...
...do...
...do...
Bugler. .
...do...
Black'h.
...do...
. ..do. . .
Saddler..
...do...
Private. .
...do. ..

...do...
...do...
...do...
do

Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Mar. 8, '64

Nov. 17, '63

Sept. 21, '62
Sept, 21. '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Feb. 28, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 27, '64
Sept. 21, '62

April 2, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Mar. 24, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 27, '64
Mar. 24 '64

Promoted to Cor., Dec. 18, 1863— to Sgt., July 6, 1864—
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Cor., Aug. 1, 1863— to Sgt., Nov. 1, 1864—
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Cor., July 1, 1864— to Sgt., April 1, 1865—
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. fr. Cor., Jan., '63— wd. at Cold Harbor, Va., May 31,
1864— tr. to 58th Co., 2d batt., Vet. Res. Corps— disch.
on Surg. certificate, May 30, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 13, 1863.
Promoted to Adjutant 158th regiment P. V., November
30, 1862.
Died at Washington, D. C., Aug. 28, 1864 — buried in
National Cemetery, Arlington.
Pr. to Cor., Sept. 6, '64— mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr to Cor., Nov. 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Apr. 1, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Promoted to Corporal, Dec, 18. 1863 — transferred to com
pany F, 10th regiment Vet. Res. Corps — discharged by
General Order, June 26, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., Sept. 6, 1864— capt'd Oct. 29, 1864— dis
charged by General Order, June 13, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 1, 1864— captured Dec. 26, 1864— dis
charged by General Order, May 30, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 12, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, July 23, 1863.
Promoted to Cor., July 6, 1864 — mus. out with Co. B, 2d
reg. Provisional Cav., Aug. 7. 1865, — Vet.
Promoted to Cor., Jan. 1, 1865 — mus. out with Co. A, 2d
reg. Provisional Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.
Killed at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12, 1864.
Died of wounds received in action, Aug. 13, 1864.
Died at Alexandria, Va., Nov. 20, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Chief Bugler, Nov. 1, 1865.
Vlustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 12, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, July 30, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Died June 21, of wounds received at Cold Harbor, Va.,
May 31, 1864— bu. in Nat. Cem., Arlington.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, May 29, 1865.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 30, 1863— discharged
by General Order, July 26, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., May 31, 1864.
Died at Fairfax Seminary, Va., June 19, 1863 — buried at
Alexandria, grave, 849.
Captured — died at Richmond, Va., Nov. 18, 1863.
Mot on muster-out roll.
Mot on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 27, 1863.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died at Hampton, Va., June 28, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Charles Hamilton
Thos. D. Caldwell

Harry T. Castle

Harvey S. Rice
William H. Brown
A. Judson Perigo
Benj. W. Barrett

James Hyde
Thos. J. Tallman
Danford H. Newton. . .
Joseph S. Halstead ....
Leroy H Aldrich

Michael J. Mulvey
Albon Emanuel
Austin, Albert.

Abbott, Charles
Barrett, Luther L
Brown, Henry
Bowen, William B

Blanding, Herbert
Barnard, William E.. . .
Bertholf, Benj. O

...do...
. ..do. ..
do

Barrett, Sabin

Bolin, Pius J
Brooks, Living 'n J.

...do...

. ..do. . .
do

Bagley, John W

...do. . ,

Babcock, Andrew J. . . .
Brady, John
Black, David.

...do.,.
...do. . .
do

Carlin, Peter M

Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 27, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Feb. 26, '64
Feb. 26, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Carlin, Asa F

...do. . .

Corey, Enos W
Congle, John W
Corwin, Eli E
Conery, John W
Conery, James
Darrow, Jona. M
Decker, George

...do...
...do. . .
do

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...

416

COMPANY B. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

DeWitt, Isaac M
Disbro Jesse C.

Private..
..do

Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Dec. 7, '63
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21. '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Mar. 8, '64
Mar. 23, '64
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 5, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Mar. 29. '64
Mar. 16, '64
Mar. 14, '64
Mar. 25, '64
Mar. 8, '64
Mar. 26, '64
Mar. 24, '64
Mar. 24, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Aug. 27, '64
Mar. 26, '64
Sept. 21. '62
Sept. 21, '62
Aug. 19. '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21. '62

Mar. 14, '64
April 25. '64

Mar. 29. '64
Sept. 21, '62

Feb. 26, '64
Sept. 5, '64
Aug. 21, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Aug. 9, '64

Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Feb. 11, '64
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Mar. 24, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21. '63
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Aug. 24, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21. '62
Sept. 5, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Wounded at Todd's Tavern, Va., May 8, 1864— discharged
by General Order, June 17, 1864.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Aug. 18, 1863.
Mus, out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Discharged by General Order, May 23, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by special order, Feb. 10, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, July 6, 1864.
Absent at muster out.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died at York, Pa., May 18, 1863— buried in Prospect Hill
Cemetery.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Capt'd Aug. 13, '64— disch. by G. O., July 18, 1865.
Discharged ou Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 14, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Aug. 19, '63.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Des. from Co. B, 2d reg. Pro Cav., July 8, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Not on muster-out roll.
Not on muster-out roll.
Died in Susquehanna Co., Pa., March 25, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Not on muster out-roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Absent, in hospital, at muster out.
Discharged by General Order, June 20, 1865..
Transferred to U. S. Army, Nov. 10, 1862.
Pr. to 1st Lt. 27th reg. U. S. C. T., Aug. 8, '65— mustered
out .Sept. 21, '65.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65 — Vet.
Mustered out with company, A 2d reg. Provisional Cav
alry, Aug. 7, 1865— Vet.
Killed at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12, 1864.
Died at Washington, D. C., May 10, 1863 — buried in
Military Cemetery.
Deserted April 18, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Prisoner from Sept. 29. 1864, to Mar. 7, 1865— disch. by
General Order, June 27, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 3, 1865.
Promoted to Sgt. Major, Aug. 1, 1864.
Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Wounded at Opequan, Va., Sept. 19, 1864— absent, in
hospital, at muster out.
Discharged by General Order, Sept. 7, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 5, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, June 26. 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Sept. 9, 1864.
Transferred to U. S. Army, Nov. 10, 1862.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Killed at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12, 1864.
Discharged by General Order, May 25, 1865.
Died at Philadelphia, Pa., March 28, 1865.
Mustered out with, company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 15, 1863.
Transferred to U. S. Army, Nov. 10, 1862.
Killed at Deep Bottom, Va., July 28, 1864.

Dana John C

Estabrooks, Sylv. H . . .

...do. ..

Griswold, Daniel L. . . .
Galoway, Theodore. . . .
Greggs Alvin M.

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. ..
...do...

...do...
. ..do.. .
do

Gibb, George

Greek, William

Hasker, Barnard
Hart, Isaac
Howell John S

Hinkley, Marquis
Hart. William
Halstead, S. C
Helmer Samuel F

...do...
...do...
...do...
do

Haggerty, Chas. H
Hamil, Augustus B . . . .
Horton, Thomas B
Harrison, Thomas

. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .

...do...
. .do .

Haley, James

Ireland, Klisha

...do. ..

Jenkins, Stephen
Jones, Charles
Johnson, Thomas.

...do...
...do...
. .do

Lake, William H
Lee, William

...do. . .
. ..do. . .

Leight, Charles A
Lamb, George W
Lord, Drew H.

...do...
...do...
do

Lathrop, Zara
Lord, Jerome

Lyne, John S
Loffler, Charles

Labar, John
Lyon, Harmon D

Logan, Edward C
Mentzer, Daniel
Murphy, Frank H
Mack, Henry
Moore, Samuel H

Moffit, Mortimore
Mitchell, Stanley N....
Miller, David H.

...do...
...do...

. ..do. . .
...do...

...do...
...do...

...do...
...do...
...do.. .
..do. . .
...do...

..do...
..do. . .
do

M 'Carroll, Sam '1 I

M'Keeby, Theodore...
M'Keeby, James B . . . .
M'Keeby, Wm. B
M 'Donald, Allen W . . .
M'Connell, Sol'n W....
M'Keeby, Samuel
Nash, William H
Oakley, Edward G
Obrien, John.

..do...

..do...
..do. . .
..do. ..
..do. . .
..do...
..do...
..do...
...do. ..
do

Palmer, William H
Payne, George L

...do...
...do. ..

Plappelt, George
Rodgers, Levi S
Rogers, Francis. . . .

..do...
..do...
.do

Round, Amasa N

..do...

417

COMPANY B. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Ross, John.

Private. .
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
do

Mar. 14, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 29, '64
Aug. 7, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Feb. 26r'64
Feb. 12, '64
Mar. 7, '64
Mar. 8, '64
Mar. 12, '64
Mar. 8, '64
Sept. 21, '62

Mar. 29, '64
Nov. 23, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Mar. 11, '64

Mar. 24, '64
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Mar. 13, '64

Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Mar. 14, '64
July 22, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Mar. 31, '64

Died April 18, '64— bu. in Mil. Asy. Cem., D. C.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 28, 1865.
Dishonorably discharged July 15, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, March 6, '63.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 22, 1864.
Discharged by General Order, May 23, 1865.
Promoted to Hospital Steward, April 9, 1863.
Mus. out with co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Absent at muster out.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Discharged by General Order, June 2, 1865.
Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., May 31, 1864.
Accidentally killed at Winchester, Va., Nov. 29, 1864—
buried in National Cemetery, lot 17.
Deserted June 14, 1864.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company B, 2d reg. Provisional Cavalry
Aug. 7, 1865— Vet.
Mustered out with company B, 2d reg. Provisional Cav.,
Aug. 7, 1865— Vet.
Killed at White House, Va., June 21, 1864— buried Nat.
Cemetery, Yorktown, sec. A, grave, 103.
Died at Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 17, 1864.
Died at Washington, D. C., Sept. 17, 1864 — buried in
National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.
Promoted to 2d Lt. 1st reg. U. S. C. Troops, July 14, 1865
— mustered out, Sept. 29, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, April 24, 1865.
Promoted to Hospital Steward — date unknown.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted from Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., July 8, '65.
Died at Hope Landing, Va., April 14, 1863.
Captured — died at Richmond, Va., Oct. 14, 1864.

Smith, David

Stoddard, Horace S. . . .
Sterling, Jabes S
Stainer, George T
Sanders, James.

Shay, Aaron W.

...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do.. .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
do

Scott, James H

Smith, George B
Stodard, Henry H
Steinback, Lewis
Smith, James N

Smith, John
Shearer, Jacob
Swygert, William R
Shank, Jacob
Snyder John C

Stewart, Stanley

Struble, George
Sweaney, William
Tyler, Henry W
Tobias, Peter

Tenant, Walter
Tenant, Dallas P

Thompson, John C . . . .
Tripp, Joseph O

Williams, Henry G

...do...

. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...

. ..do. ..
...do...

. ..do. . .
...do. . .

...do. ..

Way man, Harvey B . . .
Wheaton, Myron

. ..do. . .
do

Welcome, Ezra

. ..do. . .

Walker, Thomas
Whitney, Harland S. . .
Wells, Hezekiah S
Yengst, William

...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...

Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

COMPANY C.

Weidner H. Spera

Capt. . . .

Oct. 24, '62 Promoted to Major, Aug. 10, 1864.

Benjamin M. Herr

...do...

Sept. 27, '62

Pr. fr. 1st Sgt. to 2d Lt., April 5, '64 — to Capt., Oct. 6,

1864 — discharged by General Order, June 20, '65.

Cyrus Bentz

1st Lt. . .

Oct. 1, '62

Resigned April 5, 1863.

Joseph E. Shultz

. ..do. . .

Oct. 24, '62

Promoted from 2d Lieut., Nov. 1, 1863— killed at Meadow

Bridge, Va., May 12, 1864.

Edward E. Wood

...do. ..

Sept. 27, '62 Capt'd at Occoquan, Va., Dec. 28, '62 — pr. pr. Sgt. to 1st

Sgt.. April 5, 1864— to 1st Lt., July 22, 1864— Actg.

Adj't. from Sept. 29, 1864— muster out of Regt. A. C.

of M. 1st Cav. Div., June 24, 1865 — mustered out with

Co., G. 2d Pro. Pa. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865

John L. Bechtle

2d Lt . . .

Sept. 9, '62

Captured at Occoquan, Va., Dec. 28, '62— promoted to 2d

Lt., Dec. 28, 1864 — mustered out with company C, 2d

reg. Provisional Cavalry, Aug. 7, '65.

John Enck

1st Sgt. .

Sept. 27, '62

Pr. to Q. M. Sgt., Oct. 15, 1862— to 1st Sgt., Jan. 1, 1865

— mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Barton P. Ream

Q.M.Sr..

Sept. 27, '62

Pr. to Cor., Oct. 15, '62 — to Sgt., Jan. 1, '64 — to Q. M. Sgt.,

Jan. 1, 1865 — wd. at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12,

1864— mus. out with Co., June 16, 1865.

Samuel W. Lewis

Com. Sr.

Sept. 27, '62

Captured at Occoquan, Va., Dec. 27, '62 — promoted to

Cor., Jan. 1, 1864 — to Com. Sgt., July 1, 1864 — mustered

out with company, June 16, 1865.

John Caulwell.

Serg't.

SpnK 27. 'fi2

Pr. to Cor., Aug. 10, 1863 — to Sgt., May 1, 1864 — mustered

out with company, June 16, 1865.

418

COMPANY C. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Serg't. . .

..do...
..do...

..do. . .

Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Oct. 19, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
<"Vt 17 'fi5>

Promoted to Cor., Aug. 10, 1863 — to Sgt., Sept. 1, 1864—
wd. at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12, '64 — mustered
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Saddler, Oct. 15, '62 — to Sgt., Sept. 1, 1864 — mus
tered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Cor., Oct. 15, '64 — to Sgt., Jan. 1, '65 —
wounded at Gordonsville, Va., Dec. 23, 1864 — mustered
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Sgt., Oct. 15, '62 — wd. at Newtown, Va., Aug. 11,
1864 — absent at muster out.
Capt'd at Occoquan, Va., Dec. 27, '62 — pr. to Sgt., Oct. 15,
'62 — died in Lancaster, Co., Pa., April 21, 1863.
Promoted to Sergeant, Aug. 10, '63 — died at Brandy Sta
tion, Va., January 4, 1864.
Pr. to Sgt., Oct. 15, 1862— deserted June 18, 1863.
Pr. to Cor., July 4, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Wd. at Upperville, Va., June 27, 1863— pr. to Cor., Sept.
1, 1864 — mus. out with Co., June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., Sept. 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Wd. at Old Church Tavern, Va., May 30, '64— pr. to Cor.,
Jan. 1, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Jan. 1, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Sept. 1, 1864 — absent at muster out.

PrnmntpH tn Pnrnnral Tnlv 1 18fi4 mustprerl out with

William W. Lewis
Benjamin F. Busser.. . .

Isaac E. Bentz

Benj. Zentinger
Richard Albright
George Greise

..do...
..do. . .
..do. . .

George Rittenhouse. . . .
Henry C Shirk

Corp.. . .
do .

Elias Killian

John E. Wade
Henry E. Tragor

...do...

. ..do. . .
...do...

rln

Wm. F. H. Annake.
Jesse Fry

Michael Albright...
Abraham Coldren. .
George W. Wolf. . . .

Israel Badorf

Levi B. Dohner. . . .

Adams, Israel

Ames, Jacob

Ansel, Henry

Appel, Daniel

Bingeman, George. .

Brown, Daniel B . . .

Boyer, Jacob

Bentz, Rudolph. . . .

Boyer, Peter

Brubaker, Sam 'IF..

Berntheisel, J. W...
Britigam, Albert . . .

Bletz, William

Betz, James

Burkholder, H. M...
Brackbill, Christ'n .
Barnes, William. . . .
Coldren, Addison B.
Carpenter, Clayton.

Clark, Edward

Cochran, Jacob

Crumling, Adam . . .

Carpenter, E. G. . .
Coldren, Jacob. . . .

Coldren, Adam.. . .

j company C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.

. .do. . . Jan. 10, '64 Pr. to Cor., July 1, '64— disch. by G. O., June 21, '65.
. .do. . .Sept. 27, '62 Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 15, 1862 — drowned at Kelly's

! Ford, Va., Aug. 10, 1863.

. .do. . . Sept, 27. '62 Promoted to Cor., Oct. 15, 1862— des. Nov., 1862.
Bugler. . iSept. 27, '62 Promoted to Cor.. Oct. 15, 1862— des. Oct. 1862.
Bugler. . Sept. 27, '62 Promoted to Bugler, Jan. 1, 1864 — mustered out with

company, June 16, 1865.
Black'h. Sept. 27, '62iMustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
. .do. . . Sept. 27, '62. Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Private.. Sept. 27, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
. .do. . . Aug. 22, '64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
. .do. . . Sept. 27, '62 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, July 23, 1863.
. . .do. . . Sept. 27, '62 Deserted November, 1862.
. . .do. . . Sept. 27, '62 Wounded and captured at Occoquan, Va., Dec. 28, 1862

— mustered out with company, June 16, '65.
do. . . Oct. 19, '62| Wounded and captured at Occoquan, Va., Dec. 28, 1862 —

| mustered out with company, June 16, '65.
Aug. 29, '64| Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Oct. 19, '62 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, July 21, 1863.
Oct. 19, '62 Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Oct. 17, '62 Wounded at Occoquan, Va., Dec. 28, 1862— mus. out with

Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.

Mar. 1, '64 Wounded at Trevilian Station, Va., June 11, '64— dis
charged by General Order, June 29, 1865.

.do.

.do.
.do.
.do.

.do.
.do.

.do.

.do.
, .do.
..do.
..do.
..do.
..do.

..do.
..do.

Mar. 29, '64

...do.

Wounded at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12, '64 — absent

at muster out.

Mar. 3, '64|Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Sept. 27, '62!Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., May 31, 1864.

Sept. 27, '62 Died at Washington, D. C., Feb. 1, 1864.

Sept. 27, '62J Deserted October, 1862.

Mar. 31, '64 Not on muster-out roll.

Aug. 30, '641 Mustered out with company, June 16, '1865.

Aug. 20, '64 j Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Aug. 23, '64; Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Oct. 17, '62jMus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Oct. 17, '62 Captured at Occoquan, Va., Dec. 28, 1862— mus. out with
Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.

Feb.. 17, '64JMus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Aug. 30, '64| Killed at Gordonsville, Va., Dec. 23, 1864 — buried in
National Cemetery, Culpepper C. H., Va., block 1, sec
tion A, row 11, grave, 379.

Aug. 30, '64

Died at Baltimore, Md., April 7, 1865 — burial record,
Philadelphia, Pa.

419

COMPANY C. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Coombs, John
Druckenbrod, Jer

Dougherty, John

Private..
...do. ..

. do

Aug. 11, '64
Oct. 17, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Mar. 7, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Mar. 8, '64
Oct. 19, '62
Oct. 17, '62
Aug. 22, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 27, '64
Sept. 17, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 22, '64
Aug. 22, '64
Aug. 22, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Feb. 27, '64

Feb. 29, '64
Mar. 29, '64
Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 17, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 2, '62

[Not on muster-out roll.
Wounded at Todd's Tavern, Va., May 8, 1864 — mus. out
with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted October, 1862.
Died July 21, '64— bu. in Nat. Cem., Arlington, Va.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to Company I, Sept. 24, 1864.
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted October, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Killed at Meadow Bridge, Va., May 12, 1864.
Not on muster-out roll.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, July 8, 1863.
Wounded at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12, '64 — Mus. out
with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted from Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., July 5, '65.
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died — date unknown — of wounds received at Meadow
Bridge, Va., May 12, 1864.
Died October 18, 1862.
Deserted November, 1862.
Deserted January 1, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded at Trevilian Station, Va., June 11, '64 — mustered
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Nov. 20, 1862.
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted March 15, 1864— returned March 20, 1865—
mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted October, 1862.
Not on muster-out roll.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded at Gordonsville, Va., Dec. 23, 1864— mustered
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded at Kearnysville, Va., Aug. 25, 1864 — mustered
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Died at Philadelphia, Pa., July 24, 1863.
Captured at Occoquan, Va., Dec., 28, 1862 — mustered out
with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Prisoner from August 13, 1864, to March 1, 1865 — dis
charged by General Order, July 6, 1865.
Deserted January 20, 1863.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Deserted April 18, 1864 — returned Nov. 12, 1864 — deserted
again January 8, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Davidson Hiram

Eshelman, Henry
Eshelman, Samuel

...do...
...do. . .

Engle, Cyrus
Eberhart, John
Flickinger, Joseph
Flickinger, H. S

...do...
...do...
...do. ..
do

Foltz, Abraham B

...do...

Foos, John S

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...

...do...
...do.. .
...do.. .

Gerhart, Harrison
Gerhart, Alex

Garman, Isaac

Garman, Cyrus.

Greenmyer, Joseph ....
Garman, Jacob S
Gerhart, Isaac

"Garman, Jacob H
Glass, Theodore
Garman, Kinzer

Glass, Henry
George, David
Groff, Abraham W
Halting, Davidson.. . . .
Hart, David
Hilbert, Christian

. ..do. . .

. ..do. ..
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
. ..do.. .

Harting, Samuel

...do.. .

Aug. 29, '64
Aug. 16, '64
Aug. 25, '64
Aug. 23, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 17, '62
Feb. 29, '64
Feb. 29, '64
Oct. 17, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 25, '64
Aug. 11, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 30, '64

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Aug. 25, '64
Sept. 27, '62

Oct. 17, '62
Sept. 17, '64
Aug. 23, '64
Aug. 20, '64
Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 23, '64
Oct. 17, '62

Hellinger, Daniel

. do .

Hosier, George
Hawk, Isaac B

...do...
...do...

Harting, Henry

...do...

Hersh, Henry K

. . .do

Heaps Joseph.

do .

Halk, Henry

. ..do. ..

Hinkle, Emanuel
Hoigh, Lewis J

...do. ..

...do...
...do. ..
do

High, Watson N..

Hart Daniel

Irwin, George

...do. . .

Joh, Martin

...do...
do

Jones, William . . .

Jacoby, David

. ..do. ..

Kemper, Henry
Krimes, Michael

...do...

...do...
...do...

Kemper, Samuel G. . . .
Kain Davis

Keller, John

...do...

Line, Porter
Landis, Monroe
Laufer, William

Mentzer, William
Martin, John
Martin, William

...do...
...do...
...do...

420

COMPANY C. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Martin, John M

Private. .

...do...
...do...
...do. ..

...do. . .
...do...
...do. ..

Sept. 27, '62

Feb. 27, '64
Oct. 17, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 17, '64
Oct. 17, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 22, '64
Aug. 20, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Feb. 13, '64
Feb. 13, '64
Mar. 2, '64
Aug. 25, '64
Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 27, '62

Aug. 25, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 1, '64
Aug. 23, '64
Aug. 24, '64
Oct. 18, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 23, '64
Mar. 2, '64

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 19, '62
Sept. 17, '64
Sept. 17, '64
Aug. 30, '64
Aug. 22, '64
Aug. 24, '64
Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 25, '64
Sept. 3, '64
Aug. 20, '64
Oct. 19, '62
Oct. 25, '62
Jan. 22, '64
Aug. 25, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Captured at Ream's Station, Va., June 25, '64 — died at
Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 27, '64 — grave, 9.598.
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted November 1, 1863.
Tr. to Co. I, 24th reg. V. R. C.— date unknown— dis
charged by General Order, June 29, 1865.
Not on muster-out roll.
Deserted October, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, July 12, 1863.
Prisoner from May 30, to Nov. 20, 1864 — disch. by General
Order, June 8. 1865,
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted August 4,. 1864.
Not on muster-out roll.
Captured at Occoquan, Va., Dec. 28, 1862— mustered out
with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Captured at Occoquan, Va., Dec. 28, 1862 — mustered out
with company, June 16, 1865.
Captured at Occoquan, Va., Dec. 28, 1862— mustered out
with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Tr. to 51st company, 2d batt., V. R. C., Nov. 15, '63 —

M'Guire, John

M'Entire, James
Mixdorf, Edward

Norris, William
Peters, Gibson
Ruth, Jacob

Rupp, Benjamin
Reddig, John A
Rhoades, Abraham

. ..do. ..

...do...
. do .

Rupp Simon W

Rhodes Barton G

Roberson, Fred'k
Rote, John

...do...
...do...
do

Rissler, Valentine B.

Rauck Edwin M S.

Sloan, Edward

Smith, George
Showers, James

...do...

...do...
do

Shirk, Reuben L

...do. . .

Snyder, William
Sweigart, Nero

...do...

...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
do

Shimp, Daniel.

Senger, Jacob
Slott, Samuel B
Sweigert, Henry
Steffy, Nathaniel

Strickler, Jonathan ....
Steigenwalt, John
Sible, John.

...do...
...do...
. do . .

discharged by General Order, Sept. 19, 1865.
Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps — date unknown.
Discharged by General Order, May 23, 1865.
Died at Washington, D. C., June 13, of wounds received
at Cold Harbor, Va., May 31, 1864 — buried in National
Cemetery, Arlington.
Deserted November, 1862.
Deserted October, 1862.
Deserted November, 1862.
Deserted November, 1862.
Deserted October, 1862.
Not on muster-out roll.
Not on muster-out roll.
Not on muster-out roll.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to company E, 21st reg. V. R. C. — discharged
by General Order, July 1, 1865.
Deserted January 1, 1863.
Discharged Mar. 9, 1865, for wds. rec. in action.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. C, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Not on muster-out roll.
Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Feb. 11, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Deserted December. 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Shaffner, Henry
Shirk, Hiester
Smith, Franklin

...do...
...do...
do . .

Steely, Harrison
Spangler, Jacob

...do...
...do...

Stewart, Samuel
Snyder, William

...do...
...do...
do

Slott, Byron

Slote, Elijah B

. ..do. ..

Turner, Edward

...do...
...do...

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do...
do

Trago, James D

Urich, Jefferson
Weinhold, Wm
Walter, William
Wise, James
Weaver, John E

Weritzel, John.

Widman, Henry
Wise, Henry B

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. ..
do

Winters, Benj. B. .
Weaver, Isaac E. ...

Young, Christian
Young, Franklin.

Yundt, William
Zwally, Emanuel

...do...

421

COMPANY D.

NAME

RANK

DATE OP
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Charles H. Ames

Capt..

Oct. 28, '62

Resigned May 22, 1863.

Warren F Simrell

Sept. 21, '62

Promoted from 1st Lieut. Co. B, July 22, 1864 — discharged

by General Order, June 20, 1865.

Chas. F. Williard

1st Lt. . .

Oct. 4, '62

Resigned April 7, 1863.

Johnson Rogers

. ..do. . .

Oct. 30, '62

Promoted from 2d Lieutenant, November 1, '63 — dis

charged by General Order, June 20, 1865.

Stanley N. Mitchell.. . .

2d Lt . . .

Sept. 21, '62

Pr. fr. Sgt. Maj., Dec. 28, '64— disch. May 15, 1865.

Orin U. Emory

1st Sgt. .

Oct. 28, '62

Promoted to 1st Sgt., March 1, '65 — mustered out with

Co. L, 2d regiment Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.

Joseph R. Horton

Q.M.Sr..

Oct. 3, '62

Wounded in action, March 31, '65 — absent, in hospital, at

muster out.

George A. Lent

Com. Sr

Oct. 3, '62

Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., May 31, 1864— discharged

by General Order, June 23, 1863.

Amos Congdon

Serg't. . .

Oct. 3, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Wm. R. Vancise

...do...

Oct. 3, '62

Promoted to Cor., Nov. 22, '62— to Sergt., April 18, 1864

— mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

James Wilber

...do...

Oct. 3, '62

Wounded at Smithfield, Va., August 29, 1864 — absent, in

hospital, at muster out.

James S. Hines

...do...

Oct. 3, '62

Discharged April 12, '63, for wounds rec. in action.

Leroy F. Ward

...do...

Oct. 3, '62

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 15, 1863.

Geo. D. Mullihan

...do...

Oct. 28. '62

Pr. to Cor., July 1, '64 — to Sgt., Aug. 1, '64 — mustered

out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.

M. V. B. Rogers

. ..do. . .

Oct. 28, '62

Pr. to Cor., Apr. 17, '64 — to Sgt., Feb. 15, '65 — mustered

out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.

Franklin P. Rogers. . . .

...do...

Oct. 3, '62

Killed at Occoquan, Va., December 28, 1862.

Newcomb Kinney

...do...

Oct. 3, '62

Promoted to Sergeant, July 1, 1863— killed at Trevilian

Station, Va., June 12, 1864.

Martin Aumiller

...do...

Oct. 28, '62

Promoted to Sergeant, January 1, 1863— killed at Aldie,

Va., June 22, 1863.

Caleb N. Bowen

...do...

Oct. 3, '62

Captured— died at Salisbury, N. C., Feb. 15, 1865.

John W. Morley

Corp. . . .

Oct. 3, '62

Pr. to Cor., July 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

Walter French

. ..do. . .

Oct. 3, '62

Pr. to Cor., Sept. 26, '63 — wd. at Front Royal, Va., Aug.

16, '64 — discharged by General Order, Jan. 18, 1866.

Hyman Vanduzor

...do...

Oct. 17, '62

Pr. to Cor., Apr. 17, '64— disch. by G. O., June 21, '65.

George L. Coffin

...do. . .Oct. 28, '62

Promoted to Corporal, April 17, '64 — mustered out with

Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.

Michael Creswell

...do... Oct. 28, '62

Promoted to Corporal, July 1, 1864 — mustered out with

Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.

George R. Allis

...do...

Mar. 31, '64

Promoted to Corporal, Nov. 20, '64 — mustered out with . .

Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.

Albert F. Bush

...do...

Oct. 28, '62

Promoted to Corporal, Feb. 28, '65 — mustered out with

Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865,

James S. Parks

...do...

Mar. 31, '64

Promoted to Corporal, Feb. 15, '65 — mustered out with

Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.

Suphronus Hill

. ..do. . .

Oct. 28, '62

Pr. to Cor., Jan. 1, 1865 — killed in action, Feb. 28, '65 —

bu. in Nat. Cem., Winchester, Va., lot 26.

George W. Rogers

.do.

Oct. 3, '62

Died at Washington, D. C., July 12, 1863 — buried in Mili

tary Asylum Cemetery.

John E. Burchard

Bugler. .

Oct. 3, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Chas. G. Johnson

Black'h

Oct. 3, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Samuel Heavner

Farrier. .

Oct. 28, '62

Mus. out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65

Geo. N. Yarrington. . . .

. ..do. . .

Oct. 3, '62

Not on muster-out roll.

James W. M'Cune

Saddler..

Sept. 12, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Antisdale, Fred L

Private..

Oct. 3, '62

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 13, 1863.

Arnold, George

...do...

Oct. 17, '62

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, March 17, 1863.

Armstrong, E. G

...do...

Oct. 3, '62

Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Jan. 15, 1865.

Allis, Ithiel J

...do. . .

Oct. 28, '62

Died at Washington, D. C., July 10, 1863— buried in

Military Asylum Cemetery.

Alkins, Samuel

.do.

Deserted November 14, 1864.

Anthony, Mort. •

.do.

Oct. 28, '62

Deserted November 13, 1862.

Burchard, Henry

. . .'do . . .

Oct. 3, '62

Mustered out with Company, June 16, 1865.

Buffington, C. L

...do. . .

Oct. 3, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Brainard, David M. . . .

...do...

Oct. 3, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Barnett, John F

.do.

Sept. 5, '64

MnstprpH nut with romnanv. Tune 16. 1865.

Boss, William C

. . .do. . .

Oct. 3, '62 Tr. to 9th reg. N. Y. Cavalry, February 20, 1863.

Beeman, James

Oct. 28, '62 Died at Annapolis, Md., October 13, 1863.

Bishop, Stephen C

...do...

Oct. 3, '62 Deserted July 6, 1863.

Broderick, Daniel

...do...

Deserted November 14, 1864.

422

COMPANY D. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO

SERVICE

REMARKS

Conrad, Burton
Clough, ZaddockK....
Carroll, William
Conrad, George A

Chaffee, Benj. L
Chaffee, Noah P
Crispell, Abraham
Cunningham, W. P. ...
Coldren, Ephraim

Chandler, Allen
Camp, Henry J

Private..
...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...

...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. ..
. ..do.. .

...do...
...do...
do

Oct. 3, '62
Oct. 3, '62
July 10, '64
Oct. 3, '62

Oct. 3, '62
Oct. 3, '62
Mar. 24, '64
July 14, '64
Sept. 3, '64

Oct. 3, '62
Oct. 28, '62

Oct. 3, '62
Oct. 28, '62
July 26, '64
Oct. 3, '62
July 20, '64
Oct. 3, '62
Oct. 3, '62
Oct. 3, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Tr. to 118th Co., 2d batt., V. R. C. — date unknown —
discharged by General Order, October 2, 1865.
Absent, in hospital, at muster out.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 30, 1863.
Discharged by General Order, May 25, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 8, 1865.
Killed at Fisher's Hill, Va., Sept. 29, 1864— buried in
National Cemetery, Winchester, lot 25.
Died at Washington, D. C., July 22, 1863— bu. rec., May
22, 1863 — bu. in Military Asylum Cemetery.
Died at Washington, D. C., June 25, 1863 — buried in
Military Asylum Cemetery.
Deserted November 15, 1862.
Deserted November 15, 1862.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 17, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 1862.
Discharged on Surgeon's cert., March 5, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Nov. 11, 1862.
Deserted November 15, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Tr. to 50th company, 2d batt., Vet. Res. Corps — Dis
charged on Surgeon's certificate, May 25, 1865.
Promoted to Hospital Steward, Nov. 20, 1862.
Discharged on Surgeon's cert., March 4, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, April 6, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 19, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 9, 1863.
Transferred to U. S. Army, November 15, 1862.
Mus. out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Absent, in hospital, at muster out.
Deserted November 15, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, April 6, 1863.
Mus. out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. L. 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, April 6, 1863.
Tr. to Co. G, 16th reg. V. R. C. — date unknown — dis
charged by General Order, July 26, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Oct. 17, 1863.
Mus. out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died at Philadelphia, Pa., November 22, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Died at Acquia Creek, Va., January 16, 1863.
Died at Portsmouth Grove Hos., R. I., Feb. 28, '63.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Prisoner from Sept. 29, 1864, to March 12, 1865— dis
charged by General Order, June 22, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 9, 1863.
Mus. out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Culpicer, Eli
Cloland, Thomas
Dougherty, Geo. F. . . .

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Dunlap, Charles M . . . .
Degaugh, Joseph
Dixon, Henry
Day, James

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .

Eshelman, Peter C
Elliott, William H

Furman, John M
French, Abisha
Frederick, William
Fairchilds, M. A
Griffis, Thomas
George, David
Gardner, William
Guttalin, John D
Glenn, James
Gooley, Peter
Gooley, John
Goff, George W
Goff, Wilmot
Gardner, Michael.

. ..do. . .
...do...

...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. . .
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Sept. 5, '64
Oct. 17, '62

Oct. 3, '62
Oct. 17, '62
Oct. 3, '62
Oct. 3, '62
July 22, '64
Sept. 3, '64
Sept. 6, '64
July 12, '64
Sept. 19, '64
Oct. 3, '62
Oct. 3, '62
Mar. 18, '64
Mar. 18, '64

Haugh, Tobias
Hicks Jasper N

...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
. ..do. . .

Sept. 13, '64
Aug. 29, '64
Oct. 28, '62
Oct. 17, '62
July 21, '64
Mar. 7, '65
July 26, '64
Oct. 3, '62
Mar. 29, '64

Oct. 3, '62
Oct. 13, '64
Oct. 18, '64
Oct. 28, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Oct. '3, '62
July 26, '64
Aug. 5, '64
Oct. 28, '62
Oct. 3, '62
Oct. 3, '62
Sept. 12, '64

Oct. 3, '62
Oct. 27, '64
Sept. 8, '64
Sept. 12, '64

Horton, Elmer O
Hiney, Silas F
Henry, David

Hughes, Henry
Jeremy, Charles W
Johnson, George
Jackson, John.

. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...

...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. . .

Kugkendall, Miles
Kirby, James
Kemp, John
Kipple, Joseph S

Laush, Hiram

Lurcock, Wm. E
Lehr, Henry
Larkin, James
Lunn, Herrick
Lamareux, S. H

Morley, William
Meyers, Andrew A

Murphy, Wilson
Monday, John
M'Intire, Calvin C. . . .
M'Cleary, George

423

COMPANY D. (Continued)

DATE OF

MUSTER INTO

SERVICE

M'Govern, Joseph. .

Neal, Chester

Noble, William H . .
Oliver, Adam E . . . .

Osborne, Daniel G. .

Price, Watkins

Post, Joseph

Pitcher, Sylvanus.. .

Price, William

Pitcher, Joel D

Rohan, Peter

Reeser, David

Rockwell, Chas. H..
Rockefeller, Rob't. .
Reynolds, Ezra E.. .
Richards, Robert. . .
Slocum, Judson W. .
Stauffer, Daniel F. .
Shenk, Philip R....

Spence, John

Sollenberger, David.
Stinger, Solomon . . .
Smith, Charles H...

Smith, John M

Stan ton, Eben E. . .
Stanton, Charles W.

Smith, Myers

Stem, Samuel

Shuler, Jacob

Stanton, James W. .

Sible, Parker

Tompkins, Ira

Tousand, John

Tyrell, Curtis B

Taylor, John

Tyrell, Hiram M . . .

Tripp, Henry P . . . .

Tripp, William

Upson, Cyrus

Verbeck, Philip

Vandercrook, Dan. .

Valentine, Wm. H..

Private.
...do. .
...do..
...do..

.do.
.do.
.do.

.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.

.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.

.do.

.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.

.do.
. do .
.do.

.do...

Oct.
Oct.
Oct.

loot.

July

Oct.

Sept.

Oct.

Feb.

Oct.

[Oct.

Sept.

{Sept.

[July

Sept.

jSept.

Oct.

Oct.'

Oct.

. ..do.
...do.

. . . [Deserted March 31, 1865.

'62 [ Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

'62 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, April 6, 1863.

'62j Prisoner from Sept. 29, 1864, to Feb. 22, 1865— mustered

| out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62 [Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 20, 1864..

Mustered out with company, June 16, '1865.

Mus. out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

'64

'62

'62| Killed at White Post, Va., Aug. 11, 1864.

Deserted November 20, 1862.
'62 Deserted November 15, 1862.

'64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62 Discharged by General Order, July 24, 1865.
'62 'Mus. out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
'64 Discharged by General Order, June 9, 1865.
'62 Deserted November 15, 1862.
'62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64J Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64J Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64! Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64[ Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62j Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62 1 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, May 14, 1865.
'62 [Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 16, 1864.
'62 Tr. to V. R. C., Jan. 16, '64— disch. by G. O., Sept. 4, '65.
'62jMus. out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
'64jMus. out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

62 DJed at Annapolis, Md., Jan, 16. '64— bu. rec.. Feb. 4, '63
'62 Died at Culpepper C. H., Va., Feb. 14, 1864— bu. in Nat.

Cem., block 1, section A, row 2, grave, 64.
Oct. 3, '62 Died in Bradford county, Pa., Nov., 1863.
Oct. 3, '62 Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 16, 1864.
Oct. 28, '62 Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, June 23, 1863 — dis
charged by General Order, Aug. 21, 1865.

Oct. 28, '62 Wounded at Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865— discharged by
General Order, June 7, 1865.

Oct.
Oct.

...do... Oct. 3

. ...do.

. . .do.

Oct.
Sept.
Oct.
Oct.

Mus. out with Co. L, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Sept. 6

Welch, Thomas

Wolcott, William R.
Wiles, Alonson ....

Wayman, Darius. . .
Wood, Sylvester W.
Wilber, Perry

.do.
.do.
.do.

Williams, Albert...
Wolcott, Loren B..
Wolcott, Joseph. . .
Wilson, George. . . .

.do.
.do.
.do.

.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.

Aug.
Oct.
Sept.

Oct.
Nov.
Mar.

Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.

Died Jan. 1, 1863, of wounds received at Occoquan, Va.,
Dec. 28, 1862.

'62 Died at Giesboro, Md., September 8, 1864— buried in
National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

'621 Captured — died at Salisbury, N. C., Oct. 26, 1864.

'64i Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

'62 1 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Sept. 10, 1863.

'62 Died at Fairfax Seminary, Va., July 2, 1863— buried in
Nat. Cem., Alexandria, grave, 875.

'64 Captured— died at Salisbury, N. C., March ,1865— bu.
i record, Feb. 28, 1865, at Richmond, Va.

'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

'62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

'64 Cap'd at Fisher's Hill, Va., Sept. 29, 1864 — ab., at Camp
Parole, Annapolis, Md., at muster out

'62 Discharged by General Order, June 2, 1865.

'62 Discharged by General Order, June 16, 1865.

'64 Captured at Dinw'iddie C. H., Va., March 31, '65— dis
charged by General Order, June 21, 1865.

'62 Discharged by General Order, June 9, 1865.

'62 [Discharged by General Order, May 12, 1865.

'62 ! Deserted — date unknown.

'62JNot on muster-out roll.

424

COMPANY E.

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

William Tice

Reuben R. Reinhold . . .
Levi F. Loux

Capt. . . .

1st Lt. . .
...do...

...do...
2d Lt . . .

IstSgt..
Q.M.Sr..
Com. Sr.
. ..do. . .
Serg't. . .

...do...
...do...
...do. ..

Oct. 27, '62

Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 26, '62

Oct. 27, '62
Sept. 19, '62

Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Oct. 3, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62

Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62

Sept. 19, '62
Oct. 2, '62

Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62

Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 9, '64
Aug. 25, '64
Aug. 22, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 19, '62
Aug. 31, '64
Sept. 3, '64
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 19, '62

Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 18, '64
Sept. 19, '62

Wounded at Old Church Tavern, Va., May 30, 1864—
discharged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Promoted to Major, Oct. 22, 1862.
Pr. fr. Sgt. to 1st Sgt., Aug. 1, '64 — to 2d Lt., Nov. 9, '64 —
to 1st Lt., Mar. 10, '65 — disch.' by G. O., June 20, '65.
Promoted to 2d Lt., Nov. 25, 1862 — to Captain company
I, Feb. 13, 1865.
Promoted from 1st Sgt., Nov. 25, 1862 — to Captain com
pany I, July 2, 1864. Killed
Killed at Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865.
Absent, in hospital, at muster out.
Pr. fr. Sgt., Apr. 13, '63 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, April 13, 1863.
Wd. at Opequan, Va., Sept. 19, 1864 — mustered out with
company, June 16, 1865.
Promoted from Corporal, March 1, '63 — mustered out
with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., May 11, 1863— to Serg't, Nov. 1, 1863— mus
tered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 1, 1863 — to Serg't, Nov. 26, 1864 — mus
tered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., July 1, 1863— to Serg't, Nov. 26, 1864— mus
tered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Killed at Stevenson's Depot, Va., Nov. 16, 1864.
Promoted to Corporal, Sept. 20, 1862 — to Sergeant, Nov.
25, 1862— died Nov. 13, 1863.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 26, '62 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Mar. 1, '63 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr to Cor., Nov. 26, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 26, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 26, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Accidentally wounded, May 6, 1864 — pr. to Cor., Nov.
26, '64 — mustered out with Co., June 16, '64.
Wd. at Hanover C. H., Va., May 28, '64 — pr. to Cor., Nov.
26, 1864 — mus. out with Co., June 16, 1864.
Pr. to Cor., May 11, 1863— wd. at Cold Harbor, Va., May
28, 1864— captured at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864—
died at Salisbury, N. C., Dec. 20, 1864.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 28, 1863.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 13, 1864— discharged
by General Order, June 29, 1865.
Killed at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864.
Deserted December 1, 1862.
Deserted December 1, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded at Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865 — mustered out
with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded at Kearnysville, Va., Aug. 24, 1864 — mustered
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Capt'd at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864 died at Salisbury
Disch. by General Order, June 9, 1865 died at Salisbury
Captured at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 25, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 30, 1863.
Wounded at Trevilian Station, Va., June 13, '64 — trans
ferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 24, 1865.
Died in Lebanon County, Pa., Aug. 29, 1863.
Deserted December 1, 1862.
Mus. out with Co. E, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Urias R. Reinhold
Martin R. Reinhold....

Jesse B. Flickinger
Geo. W. Lininger
Aaron E. Killmer
Samuel Groh
Henry Ault

JohnPiffer
Jacob A. Loose
Cyrus Biechy

John Hipp

...do. ..

...do...
...do...

Corp. . . .
...do. ..
...do...
do

Martin Shaffner
John Berkhiser

Oliver B. Seigrist
Samuel Yeingst
E. Lindenmuth
John Wise

Benjamin Kersnitz
Rud. Donmoyer

William F Saltzer

...do...
...do. ..

...do...
. ..do. ..

Moses M'Kinney
Franklin B Deck

David Fornwalt
Jeremiah Mumah

...do...

...do...
do

Wm. H. H. Weaber
A. Donneberger
Henry P Moyer.

...do...
Bugler. .
do

William Shartle

Black'h
Farrier. .
Saddler..
Private..

...do. ..
. ..do. . .

J. J. K. Gittleman
Michael Betz
Batdorf, William

Border, John

Baker, Thomas
Blystone, Abraham

Bitner, George

Beckner, David
Behney, Jeremiah
Bernhart, Mont
Burk, John
Binner, William
Burkhiser Nich's.

...do...
. ..do. ..
...do. . .
...do...
...do...
do

Betz, Henry

. ..do. ..

...do...
...do...
do

Bedger, John H
Boyer, Thomas
Carpenter, Alvin M

Deckhart, John H

...do...

425

COMPANY E. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTC
SERVICE

REMARKS

Donneberger, D

Private.. Sept. 19, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Dick, Andrew G

...do. . .

Sept. 13, '64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Davis, John. .

. . .do.

Sept. 26, '62 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 4, 1864.

Dearwechter, Dan'l. . . .

...do..

Oct. 18, '62 Killed at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864.

Dunmoyer, Lewis

. ..do. .

Oct. 2, '62 Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., July 2, '64 — buried in National

Cemetery, Arlington.

Duttrey, Frederick

...do..

Sept. 26, '62 Deserted December 1, 1862.

Enck, Joseph

...do..

Oct. 12, '64 Mus. out with Co. E, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Eshelman, Isaac

. ..do. .

Oct. 2, '62 Died of wounds received in action at Kearnysville, Va.,

August 23, 1864.

Friend, Michael

Sept. 19, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Filbert, Franklin F. . . .

...do...

Aug. 23, '64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Foltz, William A

...do. ..

Sept. 3, '64' Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Fox, Adam

Sept. 9, *64! Wounded at Stevenson 's Dpnnt. Va .. Nnv Ifi 'R4- — rrme-

tered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Frymoyer, Daniel

Aug. 24, '64

A/fnstprpH nnt with rr»mr»anv Timp 1fi 1 RfiK

Frederick, David

...do...

Sept. 3, '64iAbsent, sick, at muster out.

Fisher, Franklin

...do...

Sept. 19, '62

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 13, 1863.

Foster, Henry

. ..do. . .

Aug. 11, '64

Discharged by General Order, May 23, 1865.

Frederick, Henry

...do...

Sept. 13, '64

Killed at Stevenson's Depot, Va., Nov. 16, 1864.

Firestone, Benj

...do...

Aug. 22, '64

Not on muster-out roll.

Garloff, Benneville

...do...

Sept. 19, '62

Wounded at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864 — mustered out

with company, June 16, 1865.

Galbach, John H

...do...

Sept. 19, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Garletts, Norman B.. . .

...do...

Sept. 1, '64

Substitute — mustered out with Co., June 16, 1865.

Garman, Jacob

...do...

Sept. 19, '62

Captured at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864 died Salisbury

Geib, Henry.

Sept. 19, '62

Wounded at Stevenson's Depot, Va., Nov. 16, 1864 — dis

charged by General Order, June 9, 1865.

Gingerich, John P

...do...

Sept. 19, '62

Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, May 4, 1864— dis

charged by General Order, July 5, 1865.

Horner, William

...do...

Aug. 23, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Hoffman, James

...do...

Aug. 16, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Hummer, Mich'l R. . . .

...do...

Aug. 22, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Hoke, John

...do...

Oct. 26, '62

Captured at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864— died at Salis

bury, N. C., February 15, 1865.

Hilterbrand, Wm

..do. . .

Oct. 26, '62

Mus. out with Co. E, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Howar, John H

..do...

Oct. 18. '64

Mus. out with Co. D, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Hitz, Samuel

..do. . .

Sept. 26, '62

Died at Point Lookout, Md., June 8, of wds. rec. at

Meadow Bridge, Va., May 12, 1864.

Keller, Cyrus

..do. . .

Sept. 19, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Kreider, John B

..do...

Sept. 19, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Katzaman, Wm

..do...

Sept. 19, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Killmer, Jonathan

..do...

Sept. 19, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Kintzle, Henry S

..do. . .

Aug. 22, '64

Wounded at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864 — mustered out

with company, June 16, 1865.

Kershner, John

..do...

Sept. 19, '62

Absent, sick, at muster out.

Kreitz, Frederick

..do. . .

Sept. 19, '62

Wounded at Shepherdstown, W. Va., Aug. 25, '64 — dis

charged by General Order, June 19, 1865.

Kurtz, Henry

. ..do. . .

Oct. 16, '62

Capt'd at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864. Died at Salisbury

Kahley, Joseph.

Oct. 16, '62

Absent at muster out.

Kreider, John H

...do...

Sept. 26, '62

Deserted December 1, 1862.

Knouse, William E . . . .

...do...

Sept. 19, '62

Deserted July 1, 1863.

Miller, Lemuels

. ..do. . .

Sept. 19, '62

Wounded in action, Sept. 26, 1864 — mustered out with

company, June 16, 1865.

Morgantyler, M

...do...

Sept. 26, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Miller, David H

...do...

Sept. 3, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Manspeaker, Sam'l ....

...do...

Sept. 2, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16 ,1865.

Manahan, Hiram

. ..do. . .

Sept. 3, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Meckley, Eli

...do...

Aug. 26, '64

Captured at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864— died at Salis

bury, N. C., November 26. 1864.

Mease, Jacob W

...do...

Oct. 26. '62

Mus. out with Co. E, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Murr, Peter

. ..do. . .

Oct. 13, '64

Mus. out with Co. E, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Moyer, John A

. ..do. ..

Nov. 23, '64

Mus, out with Co. E. 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Metz, John

...do...

Sept. 2, '64

Des. from Co. E, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., — date unknown.

Moll, Richard W

...do...

Aug. 23, '64

Killed at Stevenson's Depot, Va., Nov. 16, 1864— buried in

National Cemetery, Winchester, lot 17.

Miller, George

. ..do. . .

Sept. 19, '62

Died February 18, 1863.

Miller. Reuben

...do. ..(Sept. 18, '62

Died March 14, 1863.

426

COMPANY E. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF

MUSTER INTC
SERVICE

REMARKS

Miller, John D
M'Intyre, James
M'Phern, John
M'Quade, Henry
M'Donough, Benj
Noll, Isaac
Noftzger Gottleib

Private. .
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
do

Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 1, '64
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 13, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 3, '64
Aug. 22, '64
Sept. 19, '62

Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Aug. 24, '64
Sept. 3, '64
Sept. 13, '64

Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62

Sept. 19, '62
Aug. 26, '64
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62

Sept. 10, '64
Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 18, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Aug. 22, '64
Sept. 1, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 19 v '62

Sept. 19, '62
Sept. 19, '62

Deserted December 1, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Captured at Shepherdstown, W, Va., Aug. 25, 1864.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 31, 1862.
Died January 19, 1864.
Deserted December 1. 1862,
Deserted December 1, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865. .
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded in action, Oct. 9, 1864 — mustered out with com
pany, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded at Stevenson's Depot, Va., Nov. 16, '64 — mus
tered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Absent, sick, at muster out.
Discharged by. General Order, June 23, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 31, 1862.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 4, 1864.
Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Sept. 6, 1863 — dis
charged by General Order, June 29, 1865.
Deserted — date unknown.
Killed at Stevenson's Depot, Va., Nov. 16, 1864.
Deserted December 1, 1862.
Deserted December 1, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864 — mustered out
with company, June 16, 1865.
Vlustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Vlustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Vlustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 19, 1865.
Absent, sick, at muster out.
Discharged by General Order, June 19, 1865.
Absent at muster out.
Killed at Shepherdstown, Va., Aug. 23, 1864.
Deserted July 5, 1863.
Wounded at Meadow Bridge, Va., May 12, 1864 — mus
tered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Absent, on detached service, at muster out. Wounded
Tr. to Co. D, llth reg. Vet. Res. Corps, March 15, 1864—
discharged by General Order, July 7, 1865.

Osburn, John
Peters, John F
Ruth, George
Reck, Joseph
Rowe, William

...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
do

Rinehold, Benj. R
Steiner, Samuel F

Seyler, Ephraim E
Short, Joseph
Stoll, Jacob
Swisher, Henry
Sheffler, Jeremiah

Sergeant, Henry
Shires, John
Spangler, Abner J
Schlasseman, John
Siders, George P

Siders, David

...do...
...do...

. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .

. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .

Sell, Edward
Spangler, Frank M . . . .
Shultz, John
Tobias, Joseph

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...

...do...
..do. . .
..do. . .
..do. . .

Tice, Michael

Vanpossen, Joseph
Wertz, Adam
Wagner, Isaac
Wike, Martin

Woomer, Wm. A
Walter, Dallas
Williams, John
Woomer, Aaron R
Warner, Jona'n T
Yiengst, Henry

Zeller, Josiah.

..do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...

Zimmerman, John

...do...

COMPANY F.

Charles Lee

Capt.. . .
. ..do. . .

1st Lt.. .
do

Oct. 31, '62
Oct. 1, '62

Oct. 1, '62
Oct. 31, '62
Sept. 23, '62

Oct. 1, '62
Sept. 23, '62

Sept. 23, '62
Oct. 1, '62

Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Oct. 1, '62

Resigned May 17, 1863.
Pr. fr. 1st Sgt. to 2d Lt., May 25, 1863— to Capt., Mar. 8,
'64— disch. by General Order, June 20, '65.
Resigned March 9, 1863.
Pr. fr. 2d Lt., May 25, '63 — resigned Aug. 29, 1863.
Pr. fr. Sgt., Mar. 7, '64 — died at Madison C. H., Va., Dec.
25, of wds. rec. at Gordonsville, Dec. 23, '64.
Pr. fr. Sgt. to 2d Lt., Mar. 22, '64— to 1st Lt., Mar. 10,
1865— disch. by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Promoted from 1st Sergeant, March 10, 1865 — discharged
Aug. 28, to date June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Adjutant, Nov. 20, 1862.
Pr. fr. Cor. to Sgt., July 1, '63 — to 1st Sgt., Mar. 27, '64 —
died of wds. rec. at Leetown, Va., Aug. 27, '64.
Pr. fr. Cor., July 1, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. fr. priv., Feb. 12, '63 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Joel S. Sponsler

Theodore T. Tate
John K. Beidler

Alfred F. Lee

JohnH. Paul
James B. Green
Perry J. Tate

...do...
2d Lt . . .

1st Sgt. .
...do...

Serg't. . .
. ..do. . .
...do. . .

WilsonS. Severs

Amos T. Fisher .*.
John F. Dull
C. C. Hutchinson

427

COMPANY F. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

J. W. Frownfelter
John W. Creamer
Benj. W. Walker

Serg't. ..
...do. . .
do

Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62

Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Dec. 30, '63

Oct. 18, '62

Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62

Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Aug. 30, '64
Sept. 23, '62
Feb. 16, '64

Feb. 23, '64

Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62

Sept. 23, '62

Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Oct. 13, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Mar. 28, '64
Sept. 23, '62
Oct. 28, '62
Oct. 13, '62
Sept, 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Oct. 28, '62
Feb. 25, '64
Feb. 17; '64
Oct. 21, '64
Feb. 8, '64
Oct. 29, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Aug. 29, '64
Aug. 26, '64

Sept. 23, '62
Oct. 29, '62
Sept. 1. '64
Jan. 20, '64
Feb. 29, '64
Oct. 18, '62
Aug. 24, '64

Sept. 23, '62
Aug. 30, '64
Oct. 24, '62
Oct. 19, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Feb. 25, '64

Pr. to Cor., March 27, 1864— to Sgt., Sept. 1, 1864—
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., Feb. 12, '64 — to Sgt., Dec. 1, '64 — wd. at Five
Forks, Va., April 1, '65 — ab. at muster out.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, March 9, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 15, 1864.
Promoted from private, March 27, 1864 — wounded at
Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864— mus. out with Co. M,
2d reg. Provisional Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.
Promoted to Cor., July 1, '63 — to Sgt., July 1, '64 — wd at
Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, '64 — mus. out with Co. F, 2d
reg. Provisional Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.
Promoted to Cor., July 1, 1863— to Sgt., Feb. 12, 1864—
killed at Meadow Bridge, Va., May 12, '64.
Promoted from Corporal, July 1, 1863 — died of wounds
received at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, '64.
Pr. to Cor., July 15, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Sept. 1, '64— mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Dec. 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Dec. 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Feb. 1, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Discharged November 10, 1863.
Promoted to Cor., July 1, '64 — mustered out with Co. F,
2d reg. Provisional Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.
Promoted to Cor., Feb. 1, '65 — mustered out with Co. F,
2d reg. Provisional Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.
Accidentally killed at Brandy Station, Va., Aug. 2, '63.
Pr. to Corporal, Feb. 24, 1864— died Sept. LI, of wds. rec.
at Shepherdstown, Va., Aug. 25, 1864.
Pr. to Cor., July 1, 1864 — capt'd at Berryville, Va., Sept.
24, '64 — died at Salisbury, N. C., Jan. 20, '65.

Leander V. B. So per. . .

...do. ..

Samuel M'Beth

...do.. .

Jacob S. Super
Daniel Hollinger.

...do. . .
do

Emanuel A. Smith

...do. ..

John C. M'Bride
Abraham J. Zeigler. . . .
Benjamin W. Gill.

Corp
. ..do. . .
do

Christian Deitch
Harrison E. Trego

...do...
...do. ..

Jacob Kutz

...do...
do

John P. Reily. . .

David R.Allen

William Shaw
Solomon Low

M. V. Shoemaker

Jacob H. M'Bride
John T. Erisman
Wm. H. M'Bride
George I. Ginter.

...do...

...do...
...do.. .

...do...

Bugler. .
...do...
...do. . .
Black'h
...do. ..

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Dec. 9, 1863.
Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Des. fr. Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, June 26, 1865.
Died at Winchester, Va., Jan. 2, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 17, 1865.
Deserted October 15, 1862.
Deserted July 15, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted from Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., July 9, '65.
Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Killed at Newtown, Va., Oct. 11, 1864.

Samuel Stout

Wm. H. Weaver
John Jennings
Atchison, John

...do...
Saddler..
Private..
. ..do.. .

Albright, Jeremiah

Beitler, Henry G

...do...

Busse, Henry
Boyer, Isaac W
Bennett, James
Bitner, Fritz

...do...
...do. ..
...do...
...do. . .

Burget, John
Brown, Joseph
Croman, Jacob G
Crider, Joseph
Corman, Parker
Gorman, Martin

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...

...do. ..
...do...
...do...

Deserted Nov. 6, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Prisoner from Oct. 11, 1864, to Feb. 5, 1865 — disch. by
General Order, June 27, 1865.
Killed at Brandy Station, Va., Oct. 11, 1863.
Deserted November 6, 1862.
Absent, in arrest, at muster out.
Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Killed at Newtown, Va., Oct. 11, 1864.

Coover, Samuel

Carl, David R
Clark, William
Davis, Charles H

Darr, Henry
Deshong, Francis
Deardorff, Samuel
Diller, Thomas J

Evilhock, Chas. W
Evans, William
Evilhock, Camel

...do...
...do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...

...do...
...do...
...do...
.do

Captured at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864 — died at Salis
bury, N. C., Jan. 10, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Killed at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864.
Deserted October 20, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 23, 1865.

Earnst John C.

Fagan, John B
Finkinbinder, S

...do...
...do...

428

COMPANY F. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Finkinbinder, Jos
Flinchbauch, W. B

Ford, William
Galbraith, John H
Camber, William
Glace, Daniel

Private. .
...do...

...do...
...do...
...do...
.do.

Feb. 23, '64
Aug. 30, '64

Oct. 13, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Aug. 31, '64
Oct. 13, '62

Prisoner from Sept. 24, 1864, to March, 1865 — disch. by
General Order, July 1, 1865.
Capt'd at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, '64— died at Salisbury,
N. C., Jan. 20, '65— bu. record, Dec. 2, 1864.
Deserted November 2, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 20, 1864— discharged
by General Order, Aug. 8, 1865.
Died at Baltimore, Md., Dec. 9, 1864— burial rec. Nov. 19,
1864 — bu. in Nat. Cem., Antietam, sec. 26, lot F, grave
546.
Deserted November 1, 1862.
Mot on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Prisoner from Sept. 24, 1864, to Feb. 28, '65 — disch. by
General Order, June 28, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Captured at Newtown, Va., Oct. 11, 1864 — died at Rich

Ginter Peter

Graham, John
Green, William P
Hartman, Abraham
Hocker, Levi F

Handshell, Daniel
Hernise, Michael
Heckendorn, Geo
Hershberger, Amos ....

Harper, Joseph
Hoover, Jacob D
Jones, Richard

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...

...do...
...do...
...do...
..do...

Oct. 24, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Aug. 31, '64
Sept. 23, '62

Dec. 30, '63
Feb. 29, '64
Mar. 28, '64
Dec. 30, '63

Oct. 18, '62
Oct. 1, '62
Sept. 16, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Aug. 30, '64
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Oct. 20, '64
Sept. 23, '62

Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Oct. 1, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
April 14, '64

Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 24, '64
Oct. 21, '62
Jan. 14, '64
Aug. 16, '64
Sept. 23, '62

Oct. 1, '62

Mar. 16, '64
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Oct. 15, '64
Sept. 3, '64
Mar. 8, '64
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Sept. 23, '62
Oct. 19, '62
Oct. 21, '64
Sept. 23, '62

mond, Jan. 25, 1865 — bu. rec., Jan. 1, 1865, at Salis
bury, N. C.
Deserted October 25, 1862.
Deserted October 15, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 20, 1864.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Dec. 7, 1863.
Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died at Brandy Station, Va., Feb. 2, '64 — bu. in Nat.
Cem., Culpepper C. H., block 1. sec. A, row 1, grave, 31.
Died at Coal Landing, Va., March 24, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged December 18, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Sept. 15, 1863.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 15, 1863.
Tr. to Vet. Res. Corps, Mar. 18, 1864
Wounded at Dinwiddie C. H., Va., March 31, '65— dis
charged by General Order, June 12, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to V. R. C.— disch. by G. O., July 20, '65.
Discharged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Deserted November 25, 1864.
Prisoner from May 3, to December 13, 1864— disch.
by General Order, June 19, 1865.
Captured at Brandy Station, Va., October 11, 1863 — died
at Richmond, May 2, 1864.
Died May 12, 1864— bu. in Nat. Cem., Arlington, Va.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Deserted March 15, 1863.
Killed at Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Deserted from Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., July 14, '65.
Deserted October 25, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged April 10, 1863.
Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Killed at Newtown, Va., October 11, 1864.

Jones, Thomas

Kinard, Aaron B

.do

Kelly, John
Kutz Benjamin D.

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...

Kintz, Jacob

Kauffman, Jno. W
Kutz David

...do...
do

Lyter, Joseph S

Low, David
Lehman, Jacob
Lesser, John
Lyter, Jacob

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...

.do

Leidig, Wesley B
Lyter, John
Lochard, Rich'd W. . . .

Miller, Joseph C

Mixell, Jacob
Mentzer, David

...do...

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...

...do...

...do...
...do...
do

Mock Thomas

Marsh, William A
Murray, Charles W. . . .
M'Culloch, Jas. M

M'Gag, George W

M'Kinney, Wm. H....
Naugle, George D
Nunemaker, Sam'l. .

Naugle, George W

Natcher, Charles B
O'Donnell, James
Price, Henry
Penner, John
Peterson, Alex
Robinson, Wm. H
Ringwalt, Cyrus
Rineheart, John

...do...
...do...
do

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do

Rosenberger, Geo
Ringwalt, Lewis

...do.. .
...do...

28— 17th R.

429

COMPANY F. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO REMARKS
SERVICE

Robinson, John
Raker, Isaac
Russell, James
Shroyer, John A
Shetron, Jacob
Snyder, Samuel
Sennet, John.

Private..
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
do

Aug. 16, '64 Deserted Nov. 25, 1864.
Sept. 14, '64 Not on muster-out roll.
Oct. 29, '64 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 23, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 23, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Aug. 31, '64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 23, '62 Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps — discharged by General

Simons, George
Smith, John
Still, Jeremiah

Spealman, James A. ...

Snyder, Pius
Spease, Thomas

Shroyer, James O
Stauffer, Emanuel . . .

...do...
...do...
...do...

. ..do. . .

. ..do. . .
...do...

...do...
. .do

Order, June 26, 1865.
Oct. 19, '62 Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Feb. 12, '64 Discharged by General Order, June 23, 1865.
Mar. 8, '64 Prisoner from October 4, 1864, to February 16, 1865—
discharged by General Order, June 12, 1865.
Feb. 29, '64 Wd. at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864 — mustered out with
Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
Oct. 17,' 64 Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Sept. 23, '62 Died at Washington, D. C., July 12, 1863— buried in Mili
tary Asylum Cemetery.
Sept. 23, '62 Absent, in arrest, at muster out.
Sept. 23, '62 Captured at Newtown, Va., Oct. 11, 1864 — died at Rich

Smith, William
Sour, Jacob L
Smith, Peter

. ..do. . .
...do...
. ..do. . .

mond, February 1, 1865.
Sept. 23, '62 Deserted October 12, 1862.
Oct. 1, '62 Deserted October 25, 1862.
Oct. 1, '62 Deserted October 25, 1862.

Slusser, William A
Stevens, Thomas ......
Thompson, Wm. R. . . .
Tritt, William M
Warner, Edward H . . . .
Williams, Samuel
White, Henry H.

. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Jan. 8, '64 Deserted November 25, 1864.
Sept. 9, '64 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 2, '64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 23, '62 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, April 11, 1864.
Sept. 23, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 23, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 23, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Walck, Jacob
Weant, William
Weaver, Israel I
Wilson, Henry I
Whitmer, Samuel G.

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
do

Aug. 30, '64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Aug. 30, '64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 23, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 2, '64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 23, '62 Discharged by General Order, May 16, 1865.

Waltz, George L
Wolf, John

...do...
. ..do. . .

Oct. 20, '62 Transferred to Co. C, 13th reg. Veteran Reserve Corps —
• discharged by General Order, Aug. 14, '65.
Oct. 13, '62 Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Wilson, William
Wentz, William B

Wilson, Samuel L
Zinn, John H

Zeigler, David
Zug, Abner W

. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .

...do...
. ..do. . .

. ..do. . .
...do...

Feb. 11, '64 Discharged by General Order, June 9, 1865.
Oct. 19, '62 Deserted July 19, 1864 — returned April 1, 1865 — des. from
Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., June 26, 1865.
Aug. 13, '64 Deserted November 25, 1864.
Dec. 30, '63 Prisoner from Sept. 24, 1864, to Feb. 28, 1865— discharged
by General Order, June 27, 1865.
Mar. 8, '64 Mus. out with Co. F, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Sept. 23, '62 Died at Windmill Point, Va., Feb. 1, 1863.

COMPANY G.

Luther B. Kurtz

Capt.. . .'Oct.

30,

'62 Promoted to Major, February 13, 1865.

Daniel Snively

. ..do. . .Oct.

'62

Promoted from 1st Lieutenant, March 10, 1865 — dis

charged by General Order, June 21, 1865.

Henry G. Bonebrake.. .

1st Lt.. .

Sept.

20,

'<>2

Promoted from 1st Sergeant to 2d Lieutenant, Dec. 28,

1864— to 1st Lieutenant, May 28, 1865 — disch. by

General Order, June 21, 1865.

William R. Kreps

2d Lt . . .

Oct.

30,

"02

Resigned February 6, 1864.

Jacob Potter

2d Lt . . .

Sept.

26,

'62

Promoted from Q. M. Sgt., May 28, '65 — mustered out

with Co. E, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.

John J. Robinson

1st Sgt. . Sept.

26,

'62

Pr. to Cor., Oct. 31, '63— to Sgt., Apr. 30, '64— to 1st Sgt.,

j Apr. 30, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

James D. Fitz

. ..do. . .

Sept.

2<>,

'62 Died Aoril 9. of wds. rec. at Five Forks. Va.. Aoril 1. 1865

— buried in Nat. Cem., Arlington.

George F. Foreman. . . .

Q. M.Sr.

Sept.

26.

'62

Pr. from Cor. to Sgt., Oct. 31, '63 — to Q. M. Sergt., April

30, '65— mus. out with Co., June 16, 1865.

Peter Pass

Com. Sr.

Sept.

26,

'62, Pr. to Cor., Oct. 31, '63— to Com. Sergt., April 30, 1865—

mustered out with Co., June 16, 1865.

Daniel Gehr

...do...

Sept.

26,

'62 Died May 10, 1865— burial record, March 11, 1865— bu.

in Poplar Grove National Cemetery, Petersburg, Va.,

division A, section B, grave, 5.

430

COMPANY G. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Henry Burger

Serg't . . .

Sept. 26, '62 Pr. to Cor.. Aue. 31. 1863 — to Set.. Aoril 30. 1865 — mus-

tered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Abraham Shockey

...do...

Sept. 26, '62

Pr. to Cor., Nov. 30, 1864— to Sgt., April 30, 1865— mus

tered out with company, June 16, 1865.

William Shelden

...do...

Sept. 26, '62

Promoted from Corporal, Aug. 31, 1863 — to Sgt. — dis

charged by General Order, June 16, 1865.

David Royer

. ..do. . .

Sept. 26, '62

Pr. to Cor., April 30, 1863 — to Sgt., Oct. 31, 1863 — wd. and

capt'd at Gordonsville, Va., Dec. 23, '64.

John J. Andrews

. ..do. . .

Oct. 13, '62

Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 1865.

John Shockey

...do...

Sept. 26, '62

Died of wounds rec. at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864 —

buried in Nat. Cem., section D.

William Cooper

Corp.. . .

Sept. 26, '62

Pr. to Cor., Nov. 30/64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

Scimuel Phre3.ner

Sept. 24, '62

Pr. to Cor., Dec. 31, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

Joseph O. Flory

...do...

Sept. 26, '62

Pr. to Cor., Aug. 31, 1863— wd. in action, March 2, 1864

— absent, in hospital, at muster out.

John Strausbaugh

. ..do. . .

Oct. 15, '62

Pr. to Cor., Oct, 31, '63 — disch. by G. O., June 13, '65.

James W. Kipe

. ..do. . .

Mar. 26, '64

Promoted to Corporal, Nov. 30, '64 — mustered out with

Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.

Francis L. Tracy

...do...

Mar. 19, '64

Promoted to Corporal, April 30, '65 — mustered out with

Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.

John Lowe.

. . .do. . .

Dec. 25, '63

Promoted to Corporal, April 30, '65 — mustered out with

Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.

Joseph Keepers

...do...

Oct. 18, '62

Promoted to Corporal, April 30, '65 — mustered out with

Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865. — wounded

June 9, 1863, Beverly Ford, Va.

John Nicodemus

...do. . .

Sept. 26, '62

Died of wounds received at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12,

1864.

William Simmons

...do...

Oct. 2, '62

Deserted July 7, 1863.

Daniel B Crouse

Bugler .

Sept. 26, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16 1865 — wounded 3.t

Opequon Creek, Sept. 7, 1864.

William B. Crouse

...do...

Oct. 18, '62

Mus. out with Co. G. 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65 —

Prisoner at Dumfries, Va.

Samuel M'Kee

Black'h

Sept. 26, '62

Promoted to Blacksmith, October 31, 1863 — mustered out

with company, June 16, 1865.

George B. Hawker

. ..do. . .

Oct. 18, '62

Mus. out with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Aaron Harmon

Farrier. .

Oct. 18, '62

Mus. out with Co. D, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Abraham iMowrey

Saddler. .

Sept. 26, '62

Clustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Barnes John H

Private..

Sept. 26, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Bishop, James

Oct. 15, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Bishop, Samuel

...do...

Oct. 15, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Baer Jacob D

... do ...

Aug. 24, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Brine, John

. ..do. . .

Sept. 2?, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Bowling, Francis J

. ..do. . .

Mar. 4, '64

Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav. .Aug. 7, '65.

Burket, Emanuel

...do...

Sept. 26, '62

Killed at Smithfield, Va., August 29, 1864.

Cordel, Jacob

. ..do. . .

Oct. 2, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Commins, James B . . . .

. ..do. . .

Sept. 2, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Cover, Alfred

. ..do. . .

Oct. 15, '62

Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Carle, Charles A

...do...

Oct. 30, '62

Mus. out with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Curley, John W

. ..do. . .

Oct. 24, '62

Captured— discharged by G, O.. June 19, 1865.

Coleman, John B

. ..do. . .

Oct. 7, '62

Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Cordell, Isaac

...do...

Oct. 7, '62

Died at Annapolis, Md., October 9, 1864 — buried in U. S.

General Hospital Cemetery.

Cook, Ferdinand

. ..do. ..

Oct. 26, '62

Deserted October 9, 1863.

Dickel, Charles H

. ..do. . .

Sept. 2, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Detrich, David C

. ..do. . .

Sept. 2, '64

Prisoner from August 1, 1864, to Feb. 28, 1865 — discharged

by General Order, June 21, 1865.

Deal, Samuel,

...do...

Sept. 6, '64

Discharged by General Order, May 18, 1865.

Dixon, James

...do...

Oct. 18, '62

Died at Washington, D. C., November 28, 1863 — buried

in Military Asylum Cemetery.

Day, George. .

. ..do. . .

Oct. 24, '62

Deserted January 1, 1863.

Dull, Benjamin

. ..do. . .

Sept. 26, '62

Deserted June 29, 1863.

Embly, James L

... do ...

Sept. 2, '64

Discharged by General Order, June 21, 1865.

Embly, George F

...do...

Sept. 2, '64

Deserted Nov. 4, 1864 — returned Feb. 13, 1865 — dis

charged by General Order, June 2, 1865.

Fitz John

... do ...

Sept. 26, '62

Clustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Foreman, John F

...do. . .

Aug. 24, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Frye, Jacob D

...do...

Aug. 29, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Frederick, John H

...do...

Sept. 10, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

431

COMPANY G. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Private..
...do...

Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 2, '62

Oct. 7, '64
Mar. 22, '64
Oct. 7, '62
Nov. 5, '62
Oct. 18, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 6, '64
Oct. 7, '62
Dec. 19, '63
Oct. 2, '62
Oct 18, '62
Oct. 18, '62
Oct. 7, '62
Oct. 24, '62
Oct. 7, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 6, '62
Sept. 2, '64
Sept 3, '64
Oct 2, '62
Oct 24, '62

Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 19, '64
Oct. 7, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Oct. 24, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 3, '64

Oct. 24, '62

Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 7, '62
Sept. 2, '64
Oct. 18, '62
Oct. 18, '62
Aug. 18, '64
Oct. 29, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Oct. 2, '62
Oct. 2, '62

Oct. 29, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Oct. 15, '62
Sept. 6, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Aug. 16, '64
Oct. 18, '62

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Aug. 7, 1863.
Tr. to Co. B, 12th reg. V. R. C., July 1, 1863— discharged
by General Order, June 28, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died at Light House Point, Va., July 3, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 19, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Tr. to Veteran Reserve Corps, June 30, 1863.
Discharged by General Order, June 3, 1865.
Died at Warrenton, Va., February 19, 1864.
Died at Chambersburg, Pa., August 14, 1864.
Deserted January 1, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Killed at Todd's Tavern, Va., May 8, 1864.
Deserted January 1, 1863.
Deserted November 21, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, May 18, 1865.
Died at Winchester, Va , Oct 20, 1864, of wds. rec. in
action — buried in Presbyterian Cemetery.
Deserted September 1, 1863.
Deserted January 1, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Absent, sick, at muster out.
Discharged by General Order, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Killed at Smithfield, Va., August 29, 1864.
Killed at Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865.
Captured — died at Salisbury, N. C., Feb. 13, '65 — burial

Fitz, Reuben

Fitz, Jacob ... .

Funk George G . .

Gonder, Samuel

...do. . .

Gilday, Thomas J
Gladhill, James O
Hovis, Francis E
Haddle, Thomas
Hissong, Jere. P
Hollenberger, W. S....
Hellane, Henry
Haugh, William
Hollenberger, Joshua.. .
Harris, Robert

...do...
...do...
. ..do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. ..
. ..do. . .
...do...
do

Keyser, Charles H
Kelley, James
Kriner John

...do...
...do. ..
do

Little; Henry
Lidy, George F
Loy, Benjamin
Leisenger, L M
Ley, Michael

Laley, John T
Lee, Thomas
Minehart John.

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do.. .
...do...

...do...
...do. . .
do

Miller, John H
Morehead, David
Musselman, Jno. C . . . .
Metcalf, Thomas

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Morganthal, A. D
Mowry, William H . . . .
Mickley, John
Miller, Daniel
Morganthal, E. F

Mowrey, John B
Mars, James A

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do.. .
...do...

...do...
do

record, January 14, 1865.
Died at Mercersburg, Pa., April 8, 1865— buried in Meth
odist Episcopal Cemetery.
Deserted January 1, 1863.
Deserted January 1, 1863.
Deserted April 10, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Deserted July 1, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Aug. 24, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 5, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 27, 1865.
Deserted Aug. 24, 1864 — returned January 1, 1865 — dis
charged by General Order, June 14, 1865.
Deserted November 22, 1862
Deserted October 3, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 16, 1865.
,Mus. out with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Miner, James W
Mooney, William

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
do

M'Garvey, James
M'Pherran, Samuel. . . .
M 'Sherry, James

Niess Jacob N

...do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do.. .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. . .
...do...
...do...

...do. ..
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. . .
do

Nicodemus, Jacob
Pennell, William
Polsgrove, Hezek'h ....
Price, George B
Rodgers, Arnold
Rhogual, Charles C.. . .
Rha, George
Rodgers, John
Richards, James J

Rittler, Clemence
Rock, Samuel
Swisher, William
Strasbaugh, G. A
Stoner, Joel
Stouffer, Abra'm C . . . .
Straley, Benjamin

Stull, William

Swartzbaugh, Dan'l.. . .
Snively, George

...do. ..
...do...

432

COMPANY G. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF

MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Shaffer, John Private..
Shaffner, Philip H . . do. .

Feb. 5, '64
Nov. 5, '62

Des. from Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., July 7, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died May 9, 1863.
Died March 12, 1863.
Died November 21, 1862.
Deserted January 1, 1863.
Deserted January 1, 1863.
Deserted January 1, 1863.
Deserted October 9, 1863.
Discharged May 1, 1863.
Deserted May 21, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Capt'd — died at Andersonville, Ga., May 8, 1864.
Mus. out with Co. A, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. G, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mustered out with company, Aug. 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, Aug. 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, Aug. 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, Aug. 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, Aug. 16, 1865.

Stull, Peter

do .

Jan. 14, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 7, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 29, '62
Aug. 25, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Aug. 25, '64
Aug. 11, '64
Sept. 16, '64

Shockey, William.

Snowberger, Benj
Sponsler, Jonas

...do...
...do. . .

Shatzer, Christian
Spaulding, Wm. B
Stoner, John W ...

...do...
...do...
..do .

Stoops, Samuel.

do .

Swisher, George

...do. ..

Shank, Kphraim S

...do...

Trone, John H

...do...
.do .

Tracy, Henry

Unger, Jacob A

Ulwick, John
Vise, Aaron
Van Castle, Joseph ....
Wolf, Peter

...do...
...do...
...do...
do

Walters, John

White, John A

...do...

Walck, Samuel S
Walck, Daniel S

...do...
...do...

COMPANY H.

William Thompson ....

Capt....Nov. 1, '62

Wounded at Shepherdstown, Va., Aug. 25, 1864 — pro

moted to Major, Feb. 13, 1865.

William J. Allen.

.do

Nov. 1, '62

Pr. fr. 2d to 1st Lt., May 26, 1863 — to Capt., March 10,

1865 — disch. by General Order, June 20, 1865.

Baird Snyder

1st Lt. . .

Oct. 1, '62

Resigned Feb. 25, 1863.

Philip Luckner

...do...

Nov. 18, '62

Promoted from 1st Sgt. to 2d Lt., Jan. 22, 1865— to 1st Lt.,

March 10, 1865 — mustered out with company B, 2d

regiment Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.

George W. Garrett

2d Lt . . .

Sept. 27, '62

Pr.fr. 1st Sgt., May 26, 1863— dis. Jan. 12, 1864.

Jacob E. Fertig

...do...

Oct. 7, '62

Pr. fr. Com. Sgt. to 1st Sgt., Jan. 23, '65— to 2d Lt., March

10, 1865 — mustered out with company L, 2d reg. Pro

visional Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.

John Smith

1st Sgt..

Oct. 7, '62

Pr. fr. Sgt. to Q. M. Sgt., Dec. 23, 1864 — to 1st Sgt., Mar.

11, 1865— mus. out with Co., June 16, 1865.

George S Herring

...do...

Sept 27, '62

Pr. fr. Cor. to Sgt., Dec. 7, '63— to 1st Sgt., June 30, 1864

—killed at Gordonsville, Va., Dec. 23, 1864.

Henry F. Dengler

Q.M.Sr..

Sept. 27, '62

Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 3, 1863 — to Q. M. Sgt., Dec.

24, '64— wd. at White House, Va., June 29, 1864—

mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Aaron Rubright

Com. Sr.

Sept. 27, '62

Promoted from Corporal, June 14, 1864 — to Sgt., Jan. 23,

1865 — to Com. Sergeant, March 16, 1865 — mustered out

with company, June 16, 1865.

Lewis M. Langdon

...do...

Sept. 27, '62

Promoted to Cor., Oct. 3, 1863— to Sgt., Oct. 1, '64— to

Com. Sergeant, Jan. 23, 1865 — died at Mt. Carmel

Church, Va., March 15, 1865.

Eberhart Gessler

Serg't...

Sept. 27, '62

Pr. fr. Cor., Oct. 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

Thomas Hoch

...do...

Sept. 27, '62

Wounded at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12, 1864 — dis

charged by General Order, June 20, 1865.

Bern'd Einsenhuth

...do.. .

Oct. 7, '62

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Aug. 26, 1863.

Emanuel Moyer

Oct. 27, '62

Promoted to Sergeant, June 14, 1864 — killed at White

House, Va., June 21, 1864.

Wm. H. H. Brown

...do...

Sept. 27, '63

Died at Pottsville, Pa., 1863.

Wm. J. Rupert

...do...

Oct. 29, '62

Pr. to Cor., Dec. 26, '62 — to Sgt., Dec. 7, '63 — wd. in action

May 6, '64 and April 6, '65 — mus. out with Co. H, 2d

regiment Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.

Daniel D. Kreiger

...do...

Oct. 21, '62

Pr. to Cor., Dec. 7, 1863 — to Sgt., Mar. 16, '65 — mus. out

with Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.

Daniel M'Mullin

...do. . .

Oct. 19, '62

Pr. to Cor., Oct. 1, '64— to Sgt., Mar. 11, 1865— mustered

out with Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.

John C. West

Sept. 27, '62

Deserted December 1, 1862.

John Hoff a

Corp

Oct. 7, '62

Pr. to Cor., Mar. 16, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

Daniel Hoy

...do...

Sept. 27, '62

Pr. to Cor., Apr. 7, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

433

COMPANY H. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

John Ludwig. . . .

Corp.

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 21. '62

Oct. 30. '62
Oct. 29, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 16, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Oct. 7, '62

Aug. 29, '64
Oct. 7, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 12, '64
Sept. 9, '64
Oct. 30, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 10, '62
Ocfc. 29> >62
Oct. 29, '62
Nov. 17, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Nov. 11, '64
Sept. 12, '64
Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 12, '64
Sept. 9, '64
Nov. 17, '64
Sept. 7, '64
Oct. 7, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Oct. 7, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 27, '62

Oct. 9, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 2, '64
Oct. 29, '62
Aug. 22, '64
Aug. 29, '64
Aug. 22, '64
Sept. 12, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 29, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Pr. to Cor., Jan. 22, '65— mus. out with Co., June 16. '65.
Pr. to Cor., Jan, 23. '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Oct. 1, '64— disch. by G. O., June 21, '65
Pr. to Cor., Oct. 1, '65 — wd at Gordonsville, Va., Dec. 23,
'64 — disch. by General Order, May 22, '65.
Promoted to Corporal, Dec. 24, 1864 — mustered out with
Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.
Promoted to Corporal, Mar. 11, 1865 — mustered out with
Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7. 1865.
Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 1, 1864 — killed at Gordonsville,
Va., Dec. 23, 1864.
Pr. to Cor., Oct. 1, '64— killed on picket, April 6, 1865— bu.
in Nat. Cem., Winchester, Va., lot 35.
Discharged December 1, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded at Newtown, Va., Aug. 11, 1864 — mustered out
with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to Co. H, 9th reg. Vet. Res. Corps — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, May 19, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Died at Annapolis, Md., Nov. 17, of wounds received at
Newtown, Va., Aug. 11, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12, 1864— absent,
in hospital, at muster out.
Discharged by General Order, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 3, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Nov. 11, 1864.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 31, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, March 15, 1863.
Mus. out with Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died at Windmill Point, Va., Feb. 2, 1863.
Deserted September 30, 1862.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded at Smithfield, Va., Aug. 29, 1864 — mustered out
with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded in action, Aug. 13, 1864 — tr. to V. R. C. — disch.
by General Order, June 26, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, May 15, 1865.
Deserted July 3, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wd. at Shepherdstown, W. Va., Aug. 25, 1864— to V. R.
C.— disch. by General Order, June 28, '65.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 23, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps. Jan. 26, 1864.
Mus. out with Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted December 1, 1862.

Isaac H Yarnall.

Jacob Zimmerman
Daniel Strauser

...do...
...do...

do .

W B Zimmerman

Daniel A Rumble . .

...do...
. ..do. ..

...do. . .
Black'h
Black'h

...do...

Saddler. .
. ..do. . .

Sol. S. Obenhauser

Charles Davies
Levi Wentz

Daniel Derr

William Rumble
Philip Artz

Bankes, Lewis

Private. .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .

Beaver, Franklin
Bitter, Joseph

Brennan, Luke
Buchert, John C
Bankes George W

Beaber, Samuel E
Bolick, Emanuel H . . . .
Bankes, Jonas
Beadle, Joseph H
Blechinger, Francis ....
Baker, Jacob
Blue, Isaac H
Butler, Francis
Brobst, Joseph M
Bradley Hugh

...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .

...do...
...do. ..
...do. ..
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

...do...
...do...
...do. . .
...do. . .
do

Benson, James
Cascay, Thomas
Clouser John P

Conley, Michael
Coustemborder, J
Clark, Charles H
De Frehn, Henry
Douty, William
Dontal, George

Derr, Elias
Doherty, John

...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. . .

...do...
. ..do.. .

Evans, David
Eyster, Charles M

Etzel Godfried
Fetterman, Benj

...do...
...do...

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. ..
...do. . .
...do...
do

Fuhrman, Lewis
Fisher, Alem B
Feteroff, Peter
Gable Solomon

Glenn, David G
Good, Oliver
Graham, James
Goldman, Oliver
Gougher, Benneville.. . .
Gross, William

...do...
...do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...

434

COMPANY H. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Haines, Benneville
Higgins Joseph

Private. .
do

Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 29, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 16, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 19, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 18, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Oct. 14, '62

Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 22, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 30, '64
Oct. 18, '62
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 24, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Oct. 7, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Oct. 29, '62
Oct. 10, '62
Sept. 9, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 12, '64
Sept. 12, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Oct. 19, '62

Sept. 12, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Aug. 23, '64
Oct. 30, '62
Nov. 11, '64
Aug. 22, '64
Sept. 9, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 12, '64
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 5, '64
Oct. 16, '62
Oct. 20, '64
Oct. 20, '64

Oct. 16, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Oct. 19, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 29, '64
Oct. 29, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 14, 1863.
Killed at Shepherdstown, W. Va., Aug. 25, 1864.
Pris. fr. Aug. 13, to Oct. 9, '64— died Nov. 19, 1864.
Died at Alexandria, Va., Dec. 27, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Tr. to Co. C, 9th reg. Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 30, '63 — dis
charged by General Order, Aug. 12, 1865.
Killed at Gordonsville, Va., Dec. 23, 1864.
Killed at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12, 1864.
Deserted July 3, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 17, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 26, 1863.
Wounded at Shepherdstown, W. Va., August 25, 1864 —
discharged by General Order, May 16, 1865.
Absent at muster out.
Deserted November 19, 1862.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Aug. 4, 1863.
Captured at Brandy Station, Va., Oct. 11, '63 — mustered
out with Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Deserted November 1, 1862.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12, '64 — absent,
in hospital, at muster out.
Deserted July 3, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Sept. 20, 1864.
Mus. out with Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted Nov. 11, '64 — ret. Jan. 16, '65 — mus. out with
Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65. £ ]
Killed at Shepherdstown, W. Va., Aug. 25, 1864.
Killed at Shepherdstown, W. Va., August 25, '64 — bu. rec.,
died at Salisbury, N. C., Nov. 24, 1864.
Deserted November 10, 1862.
Deserted July 24, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. H, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Haley, Martin
Haley, Thomas
Herbert, Thomas
Hasler, Joseph

. ..do. ..

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. ..
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...

. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
. .do

John, Henry T

Johnson, Lloyd W

Klock, Benjamin F . . . .
Kramer, Zachariah
Kreisher, Abraham ....
Koble, Isaac

Kline, Felix
Koons, Joel
Koppenhoffer, T. J . . . .
Lindenmuth, H
Lindenmuth, Jos..

Mann, Andrew W

Markle, William
Marks, Jonas
Maury, Solomon
Mears, Commodore P. .
Michael, Levi

...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Miller, Samuel G

Morris, Joseph
Maurer, Peter
Matthews, Chas. G. . . .
Merwine, Chas. G

Michael, William
Mulligan, John
Miner, Theodore
M'Donald, Daniel
M 'Donald, Michael....
Neyre, Charles
Nungesser, Benj
Nungesser, George
Norris, John G

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
. ..do. . .

O'Shaughnessey, P
Parks, Malvin, S
Philips, George
Procter, Charles
Potter, John

...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...

. ..do. . .
do

Raeder, Nathaniel
Rider, Lloyd W
Rhodes, Franklin

Riffert, Radiant
Reed, Elias E

Ryan, John J
Schlaseman, J. A

Schlee, Joseph

Schrope, Frank B
Summer, Henry
Sell, Isaac
Shuman, Charles A. ...
Shuman, Thomas J . . . .

Simmers, Joseph
Schober Michael

...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .

. ..do. . .
do

Snyder, John P

...do. . .

St. Clair, James
Simmers, Charles J . . . .
Thomas, Frederick.

...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Troy, Charles B

...do...

435

COMPANY H. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Troy, Philip

Trevena, John
Watkins, Edward

Weiss, Jonas
Werner Jacob

Private..

...do...
..".do.. .

. do

Oct. 29, '62

Jan. 14, '64
Aug. 23, '64

Oct. 30. '62
Oct. 14, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Aug. 15, '64
Sept. 27, '62

Died May 9, of wounds received near Chancellorsville, Va. ,
May 6, 1864.
Not on muster-out roll.
Wounded at Gordonsville, Va., Dec. 23, 1864— mustered
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Absent, in hospital, at muster out.
Deserted December 1, 1862.
Deserted December 1, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Weaver, Joseph H
White, Thomas

...do...
...do. . .

Williams, Wm. R
Yarnall, Samuel
Yeick, Daniel
Yorkey, Hiram

...do...
...do...
...do.. .
...do. . .

COMPANY I.

John B. M'Allister
Daniel Beenken
Martin R. Reinhold. . . .

Urias R. Reinhold
And. D. Vandling
Isaac N Grubb

Capt
...do. . .
...do...

. ..do. ..
IstLt...
do . .

Oct. 7, '62
Oct. 1, '62
Sept. 19, '62

Oct. 27, '62
Oct. 7, '62
Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 26, '62
Oct 3, '62

Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 3, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 26, '62
Sept, 26, '62

Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept, 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62

Oct. 28, '62
Sept. 26, '62

Promoted to Lieut. Colonel, Nov. 6, 1862.
Pr. fr. 1st Lt., Nov. 6, '62— resigned March 28, 1863.
Promoted fr. 2d Lieut, company E, July 21, 1864 — killed
near Opequan, Va., Sept. 7, 1864.
Pr. to 1st Lt. Co. E, Feb. 13, '65 — wd. at Five Forks, Va.,
April 1, 1865— disch. by G. O., June 20, 1865.
Pr. fr. 2d Lt., Nov. 6, '62— com. Capt., Mar. 26, '63— not
mustered — resigned June 5, 1863.
Promoted from Sergeant Major, July 22, '64 — com. Capt.,
Sept. 8, 1864 — not mustered — discharged Jan. 13, 1865,
for wounds received in action.
Pr. fr. 1st Sgt., Mar. 10, '65 — disch. by G. O., June 20, '65.
Promoted from 1st Sgt., Nov. 6, '62 — com. 1st Lt., March
26, '63 — not mustered — resigned June 8, '63.
Pr. fr. 1st Sgt., Oct. 23. 1864 — com. 1st Lt., Sept. 8, '64
— not mustered — disch. by G. O., July 17, '65.
Pr. from Cor. to Sgt., Mar. 1, '63 — to 1st Sgt., Mar. 11,
1865— mustered out with Co., June 16, 1865.
Promoted from Sergeant, Jan. 1, 1865 — mustered out with
company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. fr. Sgt., Nov. 1, '63 — com. 2d Lt., Sept. 26, '64 — not
mus. — mus. out with Co., June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., July 1, 1864— to Sergt., Mar. 11, 1865— mus.
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Sergeant, July 1, 1864 — mustered out with
company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 23. 1863— to Sergt., July 1, 1864—
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 1, 1863— to Sergt. Mar. 11, 1865—
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865 — wounded
at White House, June 21, 1864.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 1, 1863 — to Sergt. Mar. 11, 1865 —
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Mar., 1863.
Pr. to Cor., Jan. 28, 1863— to Sergt., Dec. 10, 1863—
killed at Old Church Tavern, Va., May 30, '64.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 1, '63 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., July 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65,
Pr. to Cor., Oct. 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Oct. 1, '64— mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Oct. 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Mar. 11, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Mar. 11, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65,
Pr. to Cor., Mar. 11, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65,
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 10, 1863.
Killed at White House. Va.. June 21. 1864— buried in
Nat. Cem., Yorktown, sec. A, grave, 218.
Captured at Kearnysville, Va., August 24, 1864.
Promoted to Blacksmith, Aug. 1, 1863 — mustered out with
company, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

John B. Winchester. . . .

...do.. .

Lewis W. Orwan
Charles H. Gresh

2d Lt . . .
do

George W. Orwan

1st Sgt. .
Q.M.Sr..
Com. Sr.
Serg't.. .
.. .do.. .
...do...

John Sharon
William H. Reed .

John M. Fry

Theo. F. Tompkins
Silas W. Snyder

William C. Long

David R. Gussler
Kphraim C. Long

...do...

. ..do.. .
. ..do...

Wm. P. Fairlamb

David H. Lackey
George O Neill

...do.. .

. Corp. .
do

Charles Kettle

. ..do.. .

Samuel Risser

...do...

Francis Hauser

. ..do...
do

George W Black

William L. Cope

...do...

Edward Mahoney

...do...

John C. Kreps
James C. Campbell. . . .

Americ's F. Wickey. . . .
John J. Snyder

Lawrence Sharon
William C. Stahl

...do...
...do...

Bugler. .
Black'h

...do...
Saddler. .

436

COMPANY I. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Arndt, John J
Allen, Thomas
Arndt, Abraham
Brown, Isaac
Berry. John
Burge, Joseph
Brandt, Daniel

Private. .
...do. ..
...do. ..
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do.. .

Sept. 26, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Des. from Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav. — date unknown.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 23, 1865.
Absent, in hospital, at muster out.
Discharged Dec. 30, for wds. received at Opequan, Va.,
Sept. 19, 1864.
Disch. for wds. rec. at Occoquan. Va., Dec. 28, '62.
Disch. on Surgeon's certificate, — date unknown.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 16, 1863.
Transferred to V. R. C., Feb. 21, 1864 — discharged by
General Order, June 26, 1865.
Tr. to Co. B, 12th reg. V. R. C.. Feb. 1, 1864— discharged
by General Order, June 28, 1865.
Pr. to Reg. Q. M. Sgt., Jan. 1, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted from Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., July 6, '65.
Deserted July 9, 1863.
Deserted July 9, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, July 20, '63.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, May 23, '65.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, May 3, '65.
Transferred to V R. C., Nov. 5, 1864.

Feb. 11, '64
Aug. 8, '64
Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 26, ''62

Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 26, '62

Oct. 6, '64
Feb. 11, '64
July 26, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 19, '64
Aug. 8, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 7, '62
Sept. 27, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 12, '64
Mar. 8, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Aug. 25, '64
Aug. 27, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 6, '64
Sept. 6, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 27, '64

Jan.' 6, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Aug. 13, '64
Aug. 2, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '64
Sept. 26, '62
April 1, '64
Sept. 26, '62

Aug. 8, '64
Sept. 26, '62
July 30, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62

April 11, '64
Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62

...do...
...do.. .
...do...
...do...

...do...

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. ..
...do...

Best, William T
Bitting, Henry
Bradley, Real

Brewer George W

Boyd, Thomas H
Bradley, Simeon
Burke, John

Bryan, Samuel

Clever, Jesse Y
Creamer, Emanuel
Combs, Hosea
Coulter Alexander

...do...
...do...
. ..do.. .
do

Cohen, Moses

...do. ..

Cluck, Simon
Colby, Horace
Clark Charles.

...do...
. ..do...
...do. . .
...do...
...do. . .

Transferred to U. S. A., Nov. 4, 1862.
Deserted October 17, 1862.
Discharged by General Order, May 18, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan., 1863.
Transferred to U. S. A., Nov. 2, 1862.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Absent.at muster out.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, Dec. 22, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Aug. 23, '63.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted October 18, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 25, 1863.
Discharged by General Order, Aug. 9, 1865.
Com. 2d Lt., March 26, 1863 — not mustered — mustered
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Prisoner from March 2, to April 2, 1865 — discharged by
General Order, Aug. 4, 1865..
Discharged Dec. 13, for wounds received at Hanover C. H.,
Va., May 28, 1864.
Killed at White House, Va., June 21, 1864— buried in Nat.
Cem., Yorktown, section A, grave, 62.
Died of wds. rec. at Occoquan, Va., Dec. 28, 1862.
Deserted November 5, 1862.
Deserted October 15, 1862.

Drexler, George S
Drexler, Jacob L

De Coursey, Wm
Depken, Henry. . .

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
do

Eshleman, Samuel
Farrell, James
Fleming, James H
Foley , James
Fry, John

Fry, William
Fry, David
Fitz, William H
Foley, James.

...do...
...do...
...do...
do

Fox, Henry
Fechter, Martin

...do...
...do. ..

Freas, Henry C
Fromboy, Antwine
Garman, Peter
Geiger, Michael

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. ..

Grage, Jacob H
Graham, Jabez
Gribble, Reuben.

. y.do. . .
...do. . .
do

Grossman, Reuben
Cause, Christopher ....
Gardner, Thomas
Haas, Henry

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. ..

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...

...do...
do

Hake, Joseph
Harbold, William
Heffendreck, Jacob ....
Henderson, Nathan. . . .
Harbold, Wm., Jr

Harbold, Peter
Healy, Joseph.

Hippie, Jeremiah
Haulman, William
Hamilton, Andrew

...do...
...do...
...do...

437

COMPANY I. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Hynes, William
Kallenbach, Otto
Karpf , Charles
Kromling, Reuben
King, Daniel
Kreider, Joseph
Kepner, George W
Kleckner, Daniel
Kearns, Lawrence
Kimmel, John
Kocher, William

Private..
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
... do ...
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

April 5, '64
Sept. 12, '64
Sept. 20, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 24, '64
Aug. 24, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
July 21, '64
Oct. 19, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Aug. 31, '64
Aug. 22, '64
Aug. 31, '64
Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 26, '62
April 6, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 19, '64
Feb. 16, '64
April 6, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 19, '64

Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 9, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Feb. 23, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Aug. 12, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Aug. 25, '64
Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 26, '62
Oct. 18, '64
Oct. 19, '64
Oct. 19, '64
Oct. 28, '62
Sept. 26, '62

Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 26, '62
Sept. 24, '64
Sept. 26, '62
Mar. 2, '64
Feb. 17, '64
Feb. 17, '64

Deserted — date unknown.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Capt'd Aug. 24, '64— died at Danville, Va., Nov. 23. '64.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Apr. 29, 1864.
Des. from Co. I, 2d regiment Pro. Cav., July 6, '65.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died near Falmouth, Va., April 9, 1863.
Deserted October 13, 1862.
Deserted July 6, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865,
Discharged Dec. 3, for wounds received at Falling Waters,
Md., July 14, 1863.
Discharged Nov. 7, for wounds received at Cold Harbor,
Va., May 31, 1864.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Oct. 25, 1863.
Deserted — Date unknown.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 9, 1864.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 1, 1863.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav. Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted — date unknown.
Deserted October 27, 1862.
Deserted November 9, 1862.
Wounded in action, Dec. 27, 1864 — absent, in hospital, at
muster out.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Apr. 23, 1863.
Deserted December 10, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died at Windmill Point, Va., Jan. 24, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Apr. 23, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, May 30, 1865.
Absent, in arrest, at muster out.
Discharged Dec. 21, for wounds received at Shepherds-
town, W. Va., Aug. 25, 1864.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, May 10, 1864.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Absent at muster out.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died at Frederick, Md., Aug. 12— bu. rec., Aug. 16, 1863
— of wounds received near Funkstown, July 10, 1863 —
bu. in National Cemetery, Antietam, section 26, lot E,
grave, 507.
Died at Washington, D. C. — date unknown.
Deserted November 6, 1862.
Absent, in hospital, at muster out.
Died at Washington, D. C., June 30, 1863.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted — date unknown.

Kinney, Alexander
Lamea, John
Lloyd, Michael L
Long Jonas

...do...

. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. ..
...do...
...do...

. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
. ..do. . .

Lesh, William W
Larkin, Peter

Moore, Edward
Maxwell, George W. . . .
Mahoney, Timothy. . . .
Michaels Levi H

Mangle, Thomas
Morris, James
Morris, John C
Myers, Jonathan
Michaels, Josiah

M'Ginnis, Samuel
O'Neil, John
Paden, Andrew J
Reese, Benjamin S
Rimert, Martin
Roberts, John P
Roads, Amos
Reed, Elias

Ritter, John
Sweger, Levi
Scholl, Charles J
Shafer, Edward
Smith, John A
Sterner, Charles G
Swartz, John M
Smith, Joseph P
Stein, John
Swartz, Daniel

Smith, Simon D. R. . . .
Shark, William

. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. ..
. ..do. ..
...do...
...do...
...do. ..

...do. . .
do

Sherman, Henry
Sherman, Joseph
Stoufer, George W
Spriggle, Benjamin ....

Stoufer, John
Stratsbach, Fred'k
Teach, Elias W
Thompson, Jas. O
Thompson, John

...do...
. ..do. ..
. ..do. . .
...do...

...do. ..
. ..do.. .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. ..
...do...

Vanaman, George
Vanaman, Thomas

438

COMPANY I. (Continued)

NAME

DATE OF
RANK MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Vanhorn, Julius A
Wox, Lucius C
Wox, Sidney S
Wilber, Henry
Williamson, John

Private.. Sept. 26, '62
. ..do. . .Jan. 2, '64
. ..do. . .Aug. 23, '64
. . .do. . . Sept, 26, '62
. . .do. . . Sept. 26, '62

Deserted November 8, 1862.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug.
Mus. out with Co. I, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug.
Deserted October 13, 1862.
Deserted October 13, 1862.

7, '65.
7, '65.

COMPANY K.

Richard Fitzgerald
John Anglun
Philip Brong

Captain .
1st Lt...
. ..do. . .

2d Lt

Nov. 7, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Nov. 7, '62

Oct. 28, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Nov. 25, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21. '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 30, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 30, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 30, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 30, '62
Sept. 21. '62

Oct. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 30, '62
Sept. 30, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Oct. 2, '62
Nov. 19, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 3, '64
Aug. 30, '64
Sept. 21. '62

Discharged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Promoted to Quartermaster, November 21, 1862.
Promoted from 2d Lieutenant, Nov. 25, 1862 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, Nov. 5, 1863.
Pr. from Sergeant, Mar. 22, '64— wd. at Five Forks, Va.,
April 1, 1865 — disch. by G. O., June 20, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., Dec. 1, '62 — to Sergeant, Dec. 10, '62 — to 1st
Sergeant, Nov. 6, 1863— to 2d Lieutenant, Dec. 1, 1864
—discharged by G. O. June 20, 1865.
Resigned December 8, 1863.
Promoted from Commissary Sergeant, Dec. 1, '64 —
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Corporal, Dec. 10, '62— to Sgt., June 11, '63— to 1st
Sergeant, Aug. 1, 1863— to Adjt, Nov. 6, '63.
Pr. to Cor., July 1, 1863— to Q. M. Sergt., Sept. 1, 1864—
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wd. at White House, Va., June 21, '63, and at Trevilian
Station, June 12, '64 — disch. — date unknown.
Pr. to Cor., Jan. 1, 1863— to Com. Sergt., Nov. 1, 1863—
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., Jan. 5, 1863 — to Sergeant, Sept. 1, 1863 —
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. fr. Cor., Dec. 1, '62 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., July 1, 1863— to Sergt., Nov. 1, 1864— mus.
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., July 1, 1863 — to Sergt., Dec. 1, 1864 — mus.
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., May 1, 1864— to Sergt., April 1, 1865— mus.
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Pr. to Sergt., May 1, '64 — wd. at Trevilian Station, Va.,
June 12, 1864— tr. to Co. H, 10th reg. V. R. C., Jan. 10,
'65— disch. by G. O., June 27, 1865.
Killed in action — date unknown.
Deserted December 7, 1862.
Pr. to Cor., July 1, '63 — mus. out with Co., June 16/65.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 1, '63 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Mar. 1, '64— mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Sept. 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Dec. 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Apr. 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Promoted to Corporal, Nov. 1. 1862 — Wd. at Dinwiddie.
C. H., Va., March 31, '65 — absent at mus. out.
Pr. to Corporal, Dec. 1, 1862 — died at Washington, D. C.,
May 16, 1863 — bu. in Mil. Asy. Cemetery.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Saddler, Sept. 24, 1864 — mustered out with
company, June 16, 1865.
Killed at Berry ville, Va., September 24, 1864.
Deserted November 19, 1862.
Captured at Berryville, Va., Sept. 24, 1864— mustered out
with company, June 16, 1865.
Substitute — mus. out with company, June 16, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Wounded at Meadow Bridge, Va., May 12, 1864 — dis
charged by General Order, May 11, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Sept. 11, 1863.

Alanson D. Phillips. . . .
Charles Johnson

...do...
. ..do. . .

Milton J. Snyder

1st Sgt. .
do

James A Clark

Burton Scott
Sol. M. Edwards
Thomas W. Thomas . . .
James Burgin

James Brennan
William M'Cann

Q.M.Sr..
. ..do. . .
Com. Sr.
Serg't. . .

. ..do. . .
do

John May
George W. Moore
Patrick Mulroney

Samuel Snyder

. ..do. ..
...do...
...do. ..

Peter F. Barber
Martin Hudson
James Manderville
Charles Geise

...do...
Corp. . . .
. ..do. . .
do

John W. Mason
David Owens
John G. Brandon
Henry Biglan
Dan'l Bartholomew ....

Jasper Bell

Henry Hopkins
Elnathan Cole.

...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...

. ..do. ..

Bugler . .
do

Josiah Bloss
Paul Cool
John Hart

George P. Goodrich. . . .
Anderson, John-

Black'h.
. ..do. . .
Saddler.'.

. ..do. . .
Private. .
...do...

...do...
...do...
...do...

...do...

Burrows, John H

Beatty, Robert
Boley, Edward P
Beemer, Oscar F

Barrett, Patrick

439

COMPANY K. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Burns, John
Burk, Edward

Brownell, Joseph
Basee Christopher '

Private..
...do...

...do. ..
do

Mar. 29, '64
Mar. 28, '64

Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 31, '64
April 1, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 29, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Aug. 29, '64
Aug. 22, '64
Mar. 21, '64

Sept. 30, '62
Oct. 24, '62
Oct. 30, '62
Sept. 21. '62
Oct. 2, '62
Nov. 19, '62
Aug. 25, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 20, '62
Sept. 21, '62
July 19, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 30, '62
Aug. 14, '64
Oct. 28, '62
Sept. 23, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Mar. 28, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Aug. 22, '64
Aug. 30, '64
Aug. 30, '64
Mar. 28, '64
Mar. 28, '64

Oct. 20, '62
July 19, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 28, '62
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 30, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Aug. 29, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Mar. 31, '64
Mar. 31, '64
Feb. 28, '64
Mar. 31, '64
Sept. 30, '62
Mar. 31, '64

Mus. out with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Wd. at Shepherdstown, W. Va., Aug. 25, '64 — des. from
Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav. — date unknown.
Captured— died at Salisbury, N. C., Nov. 12, 1864.
Deserted September 30, 1862.
Deserted November 14, 1862.
Captured Aug. 12, 1864 — mustered out with company,
June 16, 1864.
Mustered out with company June 16, 1865.
Des. fr. Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav. — date unknown.
Mus. out with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Promoted to Hospital Steward, March 1, 1864.
Captured — died at Salisbury, N. C., Dec. 31, 1864.

Brown, Alamander
Collard, Amizi L

Carpenter, Shep'd

...do...
...do...

...do. . .
do

Cunningham, Chas. . . .
Clark, Peter F
Cocoran, Domin'k

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
...do. . .
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
. ..do. ..
...do...

...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do. . .

Cordner Henry

Deserted November 25, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out- with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company K, 2d regiment Provisional
Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1865 — Vet.
Discharged by General Order, May 30, 1865.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 6, 1864.
Died at Stafford C. H., Va., Jan. 8, 1863.
Deserted October 10, 1862.
Deserted November 15, 1862.
Deserted November 19, 1862.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Sept. 20. 1864,
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, June 8, 1863.
Died at Harper's Ferry, Va., March 18, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Disch. on Surgeon's certificate, — date unknown.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Capt'd Aug. 13, '64 — mus out with Co ., June 16, '65.
Discharged by General Order, July 14, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Captured — died at Salisbury, N. C., Nov. 22, 1864.

Drum, James M
Daniels, Asahel
Daley, William
Davis, David
Dissinger, Lemmon. . . .
Donely, Patrick

Davis, Thomas
Detrick Elias

Du Bois, Albert
Donehue, John
Decker, Isaac L
Doolittle Alfred.

...do...
. . do

Devine, Robert
Eaton, Frederick

...do...
...do...

Edwards, William
Eaton, Pressley
Evens, Shedrick
•Fenner, David
Ford, William
Grady, Michael
Ganghagan, Martin. . . .
Green Braman

dddddddc

Grattan, Michael
Gress, John
Golden, John.

...do...
...do...
...do...
. do

Deserted November 15, 1862.
Deserted April 20, 1863.
Deserted April 20, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Absent at muster out.
Mus, out with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died at Washington, D. C., April 19, 1864 — buried in
Military Asylum Cemetery.
Deserted November 14, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, April 20, 1863.
Deserted December 6, 1862.
Disch. on Surgeon's certificate, — date unknown.
Wd. and capt'd at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12, '64.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Aug. 21, 1863.
Des. fr. Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav. — date unknown.
Mus. out with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Des. fr. Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav. — date unknown.
Des. from Co. K. 2d reg. Pro. Cav., July 1, 1865.
Promoted to Regimental Saddler, April 6, 1863.
Died June 18, 1864 — buried in Harmony Burial Grounds,
D. C.

Gallagher, Patrick

Golden, Thomas
Harrison, John
Hudson, Miron
Hudson, John W

...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. ..
do

Hoigh Lewis J

Houch, Matthias
Henry, John
Havens, William
Hudson, Lewis

Hayes, William
Jenkins, Robert
Jones, Edward
Jenkins, Morgan
Keck William.

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...

...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do.. .
do

Knapp, Henry
Kelly, Michael
Little, Jacob B
Loftus, Thomas
Larn, John.

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
do

Lowire, Emnet
Lanning, John
Lally, Thomas
Lourie, George H
Lawrence, Thomas,.

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
. do

Lewroy, Frank

...do...

440

COMPANY K. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Lee, George H

Private..

Oct. 28, '62

Deserted November 6, 1862.
Deserted November 6, 1862.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by special order, June 6, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro .Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Captured — died at Salisbury, N. C., Jan. 13, 1865.
Deserted December 6, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Deserted Oct. 23, 1862— returned Oct. 25, 1864 — mus. out
with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav.; Aug. 27, 1865.
Died at Washington, D. C., Aug. 1, 1863— buried in Mili
tary Asylum Cemetery.
Died at Frederick, Md., July 26, 1863.
Deserted November 10, 1862.
Deserted November 15, 1862.
Deserted Nov. 15, '62 — returned July 27, '63 — mustered
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 14, 1865.
Deserted from Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., July 1, '65.
Deserted Oct. 15, '62 — returned May 28, '63 — transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps, Sept. 1, 1863.
Deserted November 15, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Sept. 20, 1863.
Mus. out with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted November 15, 1862.
Deserted November 15, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to U. S. Army, November 1, 1862.
Deserted March 4, 1864.
Deserted June 4, 1864.
Not on muster-out roll.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 1, 1863.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Des. from Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav. — date unknown.
Absent at muster out.
Deserted November 19, 1862.
Not on muster-out roll.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 17, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 10, 1864.

Lynch, James
Lloyd, David
Myers, Anthony

...do. . .

Oct. 28, '62

. ..do. ..
do

Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Aug. 24, '64
Aug. 29, '64
Aug. 17, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 31, '62
April 7, '64
Mar. 31, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Oct. 21, '62
Sept. 3, '64
Aug. 30, '64
Aug. 24, '64
Mar. 25, '64
Mar. 26, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Aug. 27, '64
Sept. 30, '62
Oct. 2, '62

Sept. 21, '62

Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 3, '62
Oct. 2, '62
Sept. 30, '62

Sept. 1, '6"4
Aug. 20, '64
Mar. 31, '64
April 26. '64
Oct. 2, '62

Oct. 28, '62
Oct. 20, '62
Aug. 31, '64
Aug. 19, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Mar. 31, '64
Mar. 31, '64
Oct. 24, '62
Nov. 5, '62
Sept. 21, '62

Oct. 25, '62
May 9, '64
Sept. 17, '64
Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 7, '64
Sept. 1, '64
Aug. 27, '64
Oct. 28, '62
Mar. 10, '64
Nov. 19, '62
Mar. 17, '64
!Sept. 21, '62
Sept. 1, '64
Sept. 21, "62
Sept. 21, '62

Morris, Thomas
Morgan, Thomas
Murvin, James F
Mathews, Peter
Mayer, Herman
Mead, George

. ..do. . .
do

. ..do. . .

...do...
. ..do. . .
...do. . .
do

Miller Richard

Mathewson, Charles. . .
M'Cuthin, Franklin.. . .
M'Cutchen, Robert. . . .
M'Mullen, Daniel
M'Tigue, James
M'Farlin, Charles
Newcomb, Casper
Nelson, Martin.

...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. ..
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. ..

O'Donnell, Anthony . . .
Price, Oliver E

Powell, Howell

...do...

...do. ..
...do. ..
...do...
...do...

...do. . .
do

Powell, Isaac.

Powell, William
Phillips, Stephen
Ryan, Patrick

Ray, Martin G.

Richland Otto

Richardson, Samuel.. . .
Robinson, Benj. C
Ramson, Orville C.

...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Reese John

Seiner, Daniel
Shaner, David
Stire, James W
Stout, Joseph
Scanlin, John
Swartz, Gilmore
Sherman, Isaac
Seny, James

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. ..
do

Thomas, Philip
Toy, Daniel
Turner, Allen B
Thompson, William. . . .
Tigue Dennis

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Vanghn, Edward
Wardebaugh, Wm..

Warner, Joseph

. ..do. ..

Williams, John J
Williams, John T
Wells, Henry
Wright, Edward
Wilson, Abraham
Yarns, John
Zell James

...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .

Zacharias, Mich'l H.. . .

COMPANY L.

David B. Hartranft. . . . Capt
John L. Rees 1 . . .do. . .

Oct. 14, '62
Sept. 27, '62

Promoted to Major, November 20, 1862.
Pr. from 1st Lt., Nov. 20, '62— resigned May 29, '63.

441

COMPANY L. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Theodore W. Bean

Cant....

Oct. 17, '62

Pr. fr. 2d to 1st Lt., Nov. 21, '62— to Capt., Nov. 1, '63—

Bv. Major and Lt. Col., March 13, '65— disch. by

General Order, June 20, 1865.

William H. Wright

1st Lt.. .

Sept. 25, '62

Pr. fr. 1st Sgt. to 2d Lt., Nov. 21, '62— to 1st Lt., Aug. 8.

'64— disch. by General Order, June 20, 1865.

Thomas J Owen

2d Lt . . .

Sept. 17, '62

Pr. fr. Sgt., Nov. 1, '63 — disch. by G. O., June 20, '65.

Ellis P Newlin

1st Sgt. .

Sept. 25, '62

Discharged by General Order, June 19,. 1865.

John M. Bean

Q.M.Sr..

Sept. 17, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Thos. H. Humphrey. . .

Com. Sr

Sept. 25, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

John T. Johnson

Serg't...

Sept. 17, '62

Pr. to Sgt., Oct. 30, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

Joseph C Jones

Sept. 17, '62

Pr. fr. Cor., Nov. 1, '63 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

Henry C. Yorkes

...do...

Sept. 17, '62

Pr. to Sgt., Dec. 10, '63 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

William Wright

. ..do. . .

Sept. 25, '62

Promoted to Sergeant — date unknown — mustered out with

company, June 16, 1865.

George Ferree

. ..do. . .

Sept. 25, '62

Pr. fr. Cor., May 15, '65— mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

Lewis B. Bailey

. ..do. . .

Sept. 25, '62

Discharged by General Order, May 15, 1865.

William Hunsicker

...do...

Sept. 17, '62

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Oct. 1, 1864.

Henry G. Hunter

...do...

Sept. 17, '62

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Oct. 1, 1864.

Edwin A. Bean

. ..do. . .

Sept. 17, '62

Promoted to Quartermaster, July 22, 1864.

Enos P. Jeffries

...do...

Sept. 25, '62

Commissioned 2d Lt. company E, July 16, 1864 — not mus.

— disch. by General Order, June 21, 1865.

Charles J. Keeler

Corp. . . .

Sept. 17, '62

Prisoner from Sept. 22, 1863, to Feb. 28, 1865 — mustered

out with company, June 16, 1865.

Gideon Saylor

. ..do. . .

Sept. 17, '62

Promoted to Corporal — date unknown — mustered out

with company, June 16, 1865.

Robert Gill

...do...

Sept. 25, '62

Promoted to Corporal — date unknown — mustered out with

company, June 16, 1865.

Josiah Tyson..

. ..do. . .

Sept. 17, '62jPr. to Cor., Nov. 1, '63— mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

Mahlon Kline

...do...

Sept. 17, '62 Pr. to Cor., Dec. 10, '63 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

Ezekiel Fogel

...do...

Sept. 25, '62 Pr. to Cor., Mar. 1, '65— mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

James M. Kennedy. . . .

. ..do. . .

Sept. 25, '62 Promoted to Corporal — date unknown — mustered out with

company, June 16, 1865.

Daniel Earner

...do...

Sept. 25, '62

Pr. to Cor., May 15, '65 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.

Preston Shoemaker ....

...do...

Sept. 25, '621 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Oct. 28, 1863.

John G Tyson

do ISept 25, '62i Captured Sept 6 1864— died at Salisbury N C , Feb. 22,

1865— burial record, Jan. 31, 1865.

John A. Ross

Bugler. . Sept. 25, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Franklin A. Savage ....

. . .do. . . Oct. 6, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Andrew Irwin

Black'h.

Sept. 25, '62: Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Sam'l Linsenbigler

Saddler..

Sept. 17, '62| Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Aiken, Joseph

Private. .

Sept. 19, '64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865,

Acker, Henry S

. ..do. . .

Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.

Antis, Jacob

. ..do. . .

Sept. 16, '62! Not on muster-out roll.

Auchy, Joseph

...do...

Sept. 16, '62

Not on muster-out roll.

Armbruester, Clem ....

. ..do. . .

Sept. 16, '62

Not on muster-out roll.

Bungey, Daniel

. ..do. . .

Sept. 17, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Booth, Franklin

. ..do. . .

Aug. 28, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Bender, Reuben

...do...

Sept. 17, '62

Discharged for wounds, with loss of arm, received at Cold

Harbor, Va., May 31, 1864.

Barringer, Harrison. . . .

. ..do. . .

Oct. 25, '64

Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Bordman, Daniel

...do...

Sept. 16, '62

Not on muster-out roll.

Boyer, Peter S

...do...

Sept. 16, '62

Not on muster-out roll.

Boyer, Jonas

. ..do. . .

Sept. 16, '62

Not on muster-out roll.

Easier Henry

Sept. 16, '62

Not on muster-out roll.

Batzel, Jacob

. ..do. . .

Sept. 16, '62

Not on muster-out roll.

Brosius, George

...do...

Sept. 8, '64

Not on muster-out roll.

Carl, Jacob

. ..do. . .

Sept. 9, '64

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Cunningham W M

Aug. 8, '64

Mustered nut with rnmnanv. Tune 16. 1865.

Clare, John

...do...

Oct. 25, '64JDes. from Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., July 6, 1865.

Cooper, John

...do. ..

Sept. 25, '62 (Deserted August 8, 1864.

Cooper, William

. ..do. . .

Oct. 13, '62!Deserted November 26, 1862.

Davis, William M

...do...

Sept. 25, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Dyson, Eli

...do...

Sept. 25, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Dotts, Henry

. ..do. . .

Sept. 17, '62 j Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Davis, Ellis B

. ..do. . .

Sept. 25, '62

Died at Washington, D. C., Nov. 1, 1863 — buried in Mili

tary Asylum Cemetery.

Dearolf, William

...do...

Sept. 25, '62

Not on muster-out roll.

Erb, Henry

...do...

Sept. 17, '62

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

442

COMPANY L. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO REMARKS
SERVICE

Erb William

Private..
...do. . .
...do...

...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Sept. 25, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 16, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 17, '62 Captured — died at Salisbury, N. C., Feb. 22, 1865 — burial
record, Jan. 14, 1865.
Sept. 17, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 1, '64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Oct. 10, '64 Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62|Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 25, '62 Discharged for wounds received at Cold Harbor, Va., May
31, 1864.
Sept. 17, '62 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Nov., 1863.
Oct. 14, '64 Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Sept. 16, '62! Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 17, '62 Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., May 31, 1864— mustered
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 17, '62 Discharged — date unknown.
Oct. 14, '64 Absent at muster out.
Oct. 25, '64: Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Sept. 17, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 19, '64 Discharged by General Order, May 23, 1865.
Sept. 25, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 25, '62 Discharged — date unknown.
Oct. 6, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Oct. 13, '62|Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 17, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 17, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 25, '62 Wd. at Trevilian Station, Va., June 12, 1864 — prisoner
from June 12, to Sept. 24, '64 — mustered out with com
pany, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 25, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 17, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 9, '64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Deserted November 20, 1862.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 17, '62 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Oct. 20, 1863.
Sept. 25, '62 Wd. at Wilderness, Va., May, '64— tr. to V. R. C.— dis
charged by General Order, July 26, 1865.
April 15, '64 Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Oct. 7, '64 Discharged by General Order, Aug. 10, 1865.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 19, '64 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 17, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 17, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 17, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 25, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 17, '62 Discharged by General Order, May 23, 1865.
Sept. 25, '62 Discharged — date unknown.
Sept. 25, '62 Died at Washington, D. C. — date unknown.
Sept. 16, '62jNot on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 25, '62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Sept. 25, '62 Deserted May 3, 1864.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.
Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.

Ecoff, Amos
Eck, Beneville

Fox, Jacob
Ferree, Frederick
Ford, Patrick
Faust, John

Gayley, William

Garvis, Samuel
Grattan, James C
Gastinger, Leopold ....
Hood, Aaron

Hauck, Joshua
Hummelbaugh, P. J
Hosier, Benjamin
Herbst, Mahlon
Herbst, Henry
Heard John R

...do...

. ..do. . .
...do. . .
... do ...
. ..do. . .

... do ...
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Invin, William
Irwin, Joseph
Johnson, Erastus F. . . .
Jenkins John

...do...
... do ...
. ..do. ..
do

Johnson, Harrison
Johnson, Jacob
Kook, Jacob
Kolb, Israel
Keegan, Edward

Kennedy, Jefferson ....
Kepler, Wm. H
Kline, Jacob
Keller, Charles
Kohl, John

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
...do. ..
...do...

. ..do. . .
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .

Krause, Milton
Keyser, Augustus
Koons, Abraham P. . . .
Kepp, Edward
Koons, John P
Koons, Frederick P. ...
Kline, Philip
Lutz, John C
Lowery, James L

Lynch, John E
Loftus, Henry.

...do...
...do. ..
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
. . .do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...

. ..do. . .
do

Leidig, Samuel S
Leidig, Albert
Longaker, H. S
Lord, John
Mack, Enos F.

...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
....do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .

Miller, William
Miller, Samuel
Martin, David R
Markley, Benj. H
Moore, James F
March, Henry.

Miller, Lewis D
Moyer, Adam
Miller, John G
M'Donald, Samuel
M'Ginnis, Joseph
Neiman, John
Neiffer, John

443

COMPANY L. (Continued)

NAME

DATE OF

MUSTER INTO

SERVICE

O'Neal, John

Ourn, Edwin L

Plank, Joseph

Powell, Wilson P...

Pine, Wilson P

Park, Wm. C

Puhl, Daniel

Pool, John

Quigg, Wm. D

Royer, Jeremiah. . . .
Ramsey, Samuel.. . .

Roberts, Albert

Richardson, Wm . . .
Rhoades, Charles...

Rushon, Oliver

Sassaman, Henry. . .
Steltz, Theophilus. .
Schanely, Albert... .
Schanely, Jacob. . . .
Schanely, Jefferson..
Smith, George H . . .

Smith, Thomas

Smith, George W. . .
Smith, Nicholas ....
Savage, Wm., Sr. . .

Savage, John L

Souders, Henry

Souders, Wm

Simmes, Charles. . . .
Sherwood, James. . .
Skiffington, Pat'k.. .
Savage, Wm., Jr.. . .

Sloop, John

Styer, Henry

Smith, Elias

Schuler, Franklin. . .

Schwenk, John

Schlotterer, Samuel.

Smith, Jacob

Smith, James

Taggert, Joseph. . . .
Thomas, William H.
Tyson, David P. . . .
Thomas, Benjamin..

Ulmer, Arnold

Underkoffer, Jos

Westler, William R.
Witherow, James L.
White, William C.. .
Wildsmith, John. . . .

Wentz, Peter

West, Alexander. . . .
Williams, Abner W .

Whittington, Jos . . .

Wick, Aaron

Wolf, Henry

Wick, Christian

Yohn, John

Yocum, William.. . .
Zindel, Martin. .

Private .
...do..
...do..
...do..
. ..do. .
...do. .

...do..
. ..do. .
...do..

.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
. do .
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
. do .
. do .
.do.

.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.

Oct. 13,

Sept. 17,
Sept. 25,
Sept. 25,
Sept. 25,
Sept. 25,

Sept. 16,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 25,
Sept. 25,
Oct. 13,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 9,
Aug. 8,
Aug. 8,
Sept. 17,
Aug. 25,
Mar. 8,
Mar. 8.

.do.
.do.
. do .
. do .

.do.
.do.
. do .
.do.

.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.

.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.
.do.

'62j Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62, Tr. to V. R. C.— disch. by G. O., July 5, 1865.
'62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62 Discharged by General Order, July 28, 1865.
'62 Transferred to 69th company, 2d batt., V. R. C. — dis
charged by General Order, June 15, 1865.
'62 Not on muster-out roll.
'62 Not on muster-out roll.
'62 Not on muster-out roll.
'62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62 Discharged by General Order, June 10, 1865.
'62; Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
'62 Died — date unknown.

Not on muster-out roll.

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

'62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Absent at muster out.

Oct. 10,
Sept. 18,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 16,
Oct. 13,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 25,
.-Sept. 16,
Oct. 12,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 25,
Sept. 25,
Sept. 19,
Sept. 2,
Sept. 25,
Sept. 25,

'64JAbsent at muster out. .

'64 Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Not on muster-out roll.

Not on muster-out roll.
'62 Not on muster-out roll.
'62 Not on muster-out roll.
'62 Not on muster-out roll.

'02

'62 Not on muster-out roll.

'62

'(>2

'62

'62 Not on muster-out roll.

'64

'62

Not on muster-out roll.

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Not on muster-out roll.

Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Discharged — date unknown.

Wd. at White House, Va., June 21, '64— tr. to 119th Co.,

2d batt., V. R. C.— disch. by G. O., Sept. 25, '65.
Mus. out with Co. B, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.

Mar. 5

Sept. 16

Sept. 16, '62 Not on muster-out roll.

Sept. 16, '62

Oct. 13, '62

Sept. 25, '62

Not on muster-out roll.

Not on muster-out roll.
Discharged — date unknown.
Deserted November 21, 1862.
Not on muster-out roll.

COMPANY M.

Coe Durland
Charles C. Brown.

Capt
do

Sept. 27, '62
Oct 23 '62

Pr. from 1st Lt., Oct. 23, '62 — to Maj
Promoted from 1st Lieut., Nov. 20,

., Nov. 20, '62.
'62 — discharged on

Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 18, 1863.

444

COMPANY M. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

James Ham

Capt....
...do...

1st Lt. . .
2d Lt . . .

...do...
...do...

1st Sgt..

Q.M.Sr..
Com. Sr.
Sergt.. . .

...do...
...do...
. ..do. ..

Oct. 23, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62
Oct. 8, '62

Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Oct. 20, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22. '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Oct.' 20, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22. '62
Sept. 22, '62
Mar. 17, '64
Sept. 22, '62
Mar. 4, '64
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 5. '64
Sept. 17, '64
Sept. 16. '64

Promoted from 2d to 1st Lieut., Nov. 20, 1862 — to Captain,
May 9, 1863— died April 4, of wounds received at Five
Forks, Va., April 1, 1865.
Promoted from Sgt. to 1st Sgt., Nov. 3, 1863— to 2d Lieut.,
July 22, 1864 — to Captain, June 9, 1865 — discharged by
General Order, June 20, 1865.
Pr. fr. Q. M. Sgt. to 1st Sgt., Aug. 1, '63 — to 1st Lt., Nov.
1, '63 — disch. by General Order, June 20, '65.
Pr. fr. 1st Sgt., Nov. 21, '62— com. 1st Lt., Feb. 21, '65—
not mus. — disch. on Surg. cert., Aug. 19, 1863.
Pr. fr. 1st Sgt.— disch. on Surg. cert., Oct. 6, 1863.
Promoted from Sgt. Maj., June 10, 1865 — mustered out
with Co. K, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
Promoted from Sgt. to Q. M. Sgt., Nov. 6, 1863 — to 1st Lt.,
July 1, '64— pris. fr. Sept. 24, 1864, to Feb. 28, '65—
disch. by General Order, June 9, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., May 29, '63— to Sgt., Aug. 24, '62— to Q. M.
Sgt., July 1, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Mar. 8, '63 — to Sgt., Nov. 3, '63 — to Com. Sgt.,
July 1, '64— mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Promoted to Corporal, Aug. 24, 1862 — to Sergeant, July 1,
'64— pris. from Oct. 11, '64, to Apr. 20, '65— mustered
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Cor., Aug. 30, '62 — to Sgt., Feb. 1, '63 —
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Cor., Nov. 3, '62— to Sgt., Nov. 15, '64—
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Cor., July 1, 1864 — to Sgt., Nov. 15, 1864 —
mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 1, 1863.
Wounded at Raccoon Ford, Va., Sept. 16, 1864— trans
ferred to Vet. Res. Corps — date unknown.
Discharged by General Order, June 20. 1865.
Promoted to Cor., May 21, 1863 — to Sgt., Aug. 24, '63 —
killed at Shepherdstown, W. Va., Aug. 25, '64.
Died at Acquia Creek, Va., March 22, 1863.
Promoted to Corporal, May 29, 1863— died at Fort Ethan
Allen, Va., Sept. 9, 1863.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 1, '62 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 1, '63 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 15, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 15, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 15, '64 — mus. out with Co., June 16, '65.
Prisoner from Sept. 24, 1864, to March 20, 1865 — dis
charged by General Order, June 12, 1865.
Pr. to Cor., July 1, 1864— prisoner from Sept. 24, 1864, to
Mar. 20, '65— disch. by G. O., June 9, '65.
Pr. to Cor., Nov. 15, 1862 — prisoner from Sept. 24, 1864,
to Feb. 25, '65— disch. by G. O., June 22, '65.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 17, 1863.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 17, 1863.
Promoted to Corporal, Aug. 24, 1863 — to Hospital
Steward, Oct. 4, 1863.
Killed near White House. Va., June 20, 1864.
Died Oct. 17, of wounds received at Newtown, Va.,
October 11, 1864.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted June, 1863.
Mus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.

Frederick J. Skeels
Win C Freeman

James Brannon

James B. Wood
James Keen

Lafayette Bolkoorn. . . .
Erhard Miller

Nicholas Miller.

William H. Watson. . . .

Franklin P. Cooper
Peter C. Johnson
George T. Spettigue.. . .

Ovid H. Coleman

. . .do

N. S. Schoonover
Henry W. M'Mullin...

...do...
...do. ..

Chaun. P. Andreas
Edmund M Clark.

...do...
do

John G. Griggs

John L. Cotton
Joseph L. Stanton
Charles J. Fox
Edwin E. Belknap
Henry C. Goodrich. . . .
George C. Brown

Serg't. . .

Corp
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...

...do...
...do...

...do...
. ..do...
...do...

...do...
...do. ..

Bugler. .
do

Horrace Jenkins
Henry A. Sampson

John W. Headley
Bruce R. Woodward . . .
Henry J. Tarble

Alvin E. Gleason

James Northcott

Ebenezer Losey
John T. Fox ....

Gabriel S. M'Kinney...
Jacob Leybold

Black'h
...do...
Saddler..
...do...
Private..
...do. ..
do

Franklin Brown
Amos, Nicholas
Bennett, George
Babcock, Gordon D
Bloom, Adam
Bartle, George W

...do...
...do...

)— 17th R.

445

COMPANY M. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Bartleson, Chas. H
Baker, Andrew
Bryant, Alva

Ball, James E
Bennett, John A
Bedel, John

Private . .
...do...
...do...

...do. ..
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. ..
...do...
do

Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 17, '64
Oct. 20, '62

Oct. 20, '62
Oct. 20. '62
Oct. 20, '62
Feb. 29, '64
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '63
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Oct. 20, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 5, '64

Sept. 22, '64
Sept. 24, '64
Sept. 22, '62
Mar. 30, '64
Sept. 22, '64
Sept. 22, '64
Sept. 17, '64
Sept. 22, '64
Sept. 22, '62
Mar. 30, '64
Oct. 20, '62

Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62

April 7, '64
Oct. 20, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Aug. 29, '64
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Oct. 3, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 19, '64
Oct. 19, '62
Sept. 22, '62
Sept. 29, '62
Oct. 13, '62
Sept. 16, '64
Sept. 5, '64
Oct. 20, '62
Sept. 22, '62

Sept. 22, '62

Prisoner from Sept. 24, 1864, to March 2, 1865 — discharged
by General Order, June 5, 1865.
Wounded at Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865 — disch. by
General Order, June 28, 1865.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Dec. 2, 1864 — discharged
• by General Order, June 28, 1865.
Mus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Mus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Deserted November 4, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865 .
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Mar. 15, 1865.
Transferred to U. S. Army, Nov. 5, 1862.
Deserted — date unknown.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865 — died at Alex
andria, Va., June 23, '65 — grave, 3,254.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, June 20, 1865.
Deserted March 20, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to U. S. Army, Nov. 5, 1862.
Mus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
Died at City Point, Va., July 25, 1864 — buried in Cavalry
Corps Cemetery.
Prisoner from Sept. 24, 1864, to April 20, 1865 — mustered
out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged by General Order, May 23, 1865.
Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps — discharged by General
Order, June 26, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Nov. 11, 1864.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Nov. 29, 1864.
Discharged on Surgeon's cert. — date unknown.
Transferred to U. S. Army, Nov. 5, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 5, 1864.
Killed at Newtown, Va., Oct. 11, 1864— buried in National
Cemetery, Winchester, lot 18.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Absent, on detached service, at muster out.
Transferred to U. S. Army, November 5, 1862.
Transferred to U. S. Army, November 5, 1862.
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, Nov. 20, 1863 —
disch. by General Order, September 22, '65.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Transferred to U. S. Army, November 5, 1862.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
Musteredout with company, June 16, 1865.
Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 1, 1863
Died at Washington, D. C., of wounds received near
Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 27, 1864 — buried in
National Cemetery. Arlington.
Died at Alexandria, Va., July 21, 1863— grave, 881.

Braning, John S
Chapman, Geo. H
Collum, Peter R
Cook, John E
Curtis Jerome

Case, George
Cornell, Thomas
Cobb, Edgar A
Case, Orson
Dunshee, Franklin
Dann, Martin V. B
Denslow, David

Davis, William
Dewa, John
Darling, Daniel W. . . . .
Dean, John P
Elliott, William
Elliott, George
Elliott Martin V

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...

. ..do. ..
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. ..
...do...
do

Fitz Washington

...do...
...do. . .
. ..do. ..
...do...

...do...

. ..do. . .
...do...

...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. . .
...do. ..

...do...
...do...
. ..do. ..
...do...
...do...

...do...
. ..do. . .
do

Gay lord, Davis
Griswold, John
Graham, Abraham

Hardwick, Adam

Headley, Robert A
Headley, James B

Hoover Jacob D

Hedglen, Andrew C.. . .
Hunter, Peter C
Hunter, George M
June Francis D

Justice, William E
Justice, William E
Jordan, Erastus C

Klink Hubert.

Kimble, James H
Kelley, James
Kipp, Isaac
Kimble, Tyler

Lavo, Henry M

Lanharr, Samuel
Lenox, Andrew J

Miller, Jacob
Maines Andrew

...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
. ..do. . .
do

Mitchell, Munson J. . . .
Myers, Hezekiah
Maley, John

Merrill, Ansel

...do. ..

Maloney, Daniel
Martin, William E

...do...
...do...

446.

COMPANY M. (Continued)

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO REMARKS
SERVICE

M'Cartin, Edw'd H.. . .
M'Graw, John
M'Kenna, Matthew.. . .

Private..
...do...
...do. ..

Sept. 17,
Oct. 12,
Aug. 29,
Sept. 5,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 22,
Sept. 22,
Nov. 28,

Oct. 8,

Sept. 17,
Sept. 22,
Mar. 9,
Sept. 22,
Sept. 22,

Sept. 22,
Sept. 22,
Sept. 22,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 16,
Sept. 19,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 22,

Sept. 16,
Oct. 20,
Oct. 20,
Oct. 20,
Mar. 30,
Sept. 22,

Sept. 5,

Sept. 19,
Sept. 22,
Mar. 30,
Mar. 30,
Oct. 11.
Sept. 22,
Sept. 17,
Sept. 24,
Sept. 22,
Sept. 22,
Oct. 20,
Sept. 22,
Sept. 22,
Sept. 6,
Sept. 5,
Oct. 3,
Mar. 4,
April 9,
Sept. 22,

'64| Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64jMus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
'64 Not on muster-out roll.
'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 24, 1864.
'62 Discharged on Surgeon's Cert., March 17, 1864.
'62 Discharged by General Order, May 18, 1865.
'63 Prisoner from May 31, 1864, to April 30, '65 — mus. out
with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
'62 Tr. to Co. C, 19th reg. V. R. C., July 1, 1863— discharged
by General Order, July 13, 1865.
'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62 Tr. to V. R. C.— disch. by G. O., July 8, 1865.
'64 Discharged on Surgeon's certificatee, Oct. 27, 1864.
'62 Transferred to U. S. Army, November 5, 1862.
'62 Died at Winchester, Va., Oct. 18— burial record, Oct. 11.
1864 — of wounds received at Newtown, Oct. 11, 1864 —
bu. in National Cemetery, lot 18.
'62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64i Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62J Prisoner from Sept. 24, 1864, to March 10, 1865— dis
charged by General Order, June 9, 1865.
'64 Discharged by General Order,- June 20, 1865.
'62 Mus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
'62 Mus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
'62iMus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
'64 Discharged by General Order, June 14, 1865.
'62 Died at Frederick, Md., July 18, 1863 — bu. in Nat. Cem.,
Antietam, section 26, lot E, grave, 510.
'64 Captured at Newtown, Va., October 11, 1864— died at
Richmond, January 9, 1865.
'65 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62 j Transferred to U. S. Army, November 5, 1862.
'64 Discharged by General Order, June 19, 1865.
'64 Mus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
'64JMus. out with Co. M, 2d reg. Pro. Cav., Aug. 7, '65.
'62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62 Discharged by General Order, June 8, 1865.
'62 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, April 1, 1863.
'62 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 17, 1865.
'62 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'64 Mustered out with company, June 16, 1865.
'62| Absent, sick, at muster out.
'64; Discharged July 29, to date June 16, 1865.
'64 Deserted — date unknown.
'62 Absent, on detached service, at muster out.

Newhart, Joseph
Nash, James M
Odell, Verdine E
Odell, Benjamin
Osborne Wm H

...do...
...do...
...do. . .
. ..do. ..
do

Pethick, Charles
Rook, Joseph

...do...

... do ...
. ..do. . .
. do

Rounds, Ruble
Ryan Johu . . .

Rhodes, Almon
Ricks, Warren

,
. ..do. . .

. ..do. . .

Smith, Simpson
Stanton, Lucian E
Simpson, George
Shrader, Charles M
Statler, Daniel
Shirey, Adam W
Shrader, Jacob
Shapley, Jonathan

Shatzer, William

...do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. . .
...do. . .
...do...
...do...

...do...
. ..do. ..
. ..do. . .
...do...
. ..do. ..

Seely, Charles
Shelters, James L
Seely, Francis
Sherwood, Earl

Seybold, David
Strong, Smith

Thompson, Martin
Tighe, Patrick
Tennant, Everal E
Taylor, John
Turner, James M
Uglow, Richard
Valentine Isaac F

...do...
...do...

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
. ..do. ..
do

Valentine, Gilbert B . . .
Valentine, John T
Vanosdel, George

Van Deuson, L. W
Van Kleek, David
Woodward, Thos.L....
Waltman, William
White, James
Walker, William C
Wilson, William J
Wright, Edward
Young, Nathan S

...do...
...do...
...do...
...do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...

447

UNASSIGNED MEN

NAME

RANK

DATE OF
MUSTER INTO
SERVICE

REMARKS

Bliss John

Private. .
...do...
...do. ..
do

Nov. 26, '64
Oct. 7, '64
Feb'. 27, '64
Sept. 16, '64
Mar. 23, '64
Sept. 2, '64
Aug. 31, '64
Oct. 4, '64
April 21, '64
Oct. 10, '64
Mar. 31, '64
Mar. 7, '64
Aug. 29, '64
Aug. 30, '64
April 12, '64
April 13, '64
Oct. 10, '64
Sept. 10, '64
Sept. 7, '64
Aug. 8, '64
Mar. 19, '64
Mar. 10, '64
Mar. 21, '64
April 12, '64
Nov. 26, '64
April 20, '64
Feb. 20, '64
Oct. 19, '64
Mar. 21, '64
Oct. 19, '64
Nov. 26, '64
Mar. 9, '64
April 12, '64
April 20, '64
April 22, '64
Mar. 3, '64
Feb. 15, '64
Mar. 24, '64
Mar. 31, '64
Aug. 29, '64
Oct. 19, '64
Aug. 16, '64
April 12, '64
Sept. 5, '64
April 9, '64
April 9, '64
Mar. 23, '64
Mar. 23, '64
Nov. 26, '64
April 21, '64
Sept. 12, '64
Sept. 16, '64
Sept. 13, '64
Aug. 9, '64

Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for. ^
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.
Not accounted for.

Borker, Abraham
Ballou, Isaac
Brown William

Boyd, James
Brine, John

...do...
...do. ..

Chapman, M. J
Cline, Alonzo
Cronan Patrick

...do. ..
...do. ..
do

Callahan, Timothy
Conaway, Patrick

...do...
. ..do...

Davis, William
Dilley, George W
Dailey John C

...do...
. ..do...
do

Dougherty Thomas.

Day, Charles

...do. ..

Gray, George
Gray, Thomas
Hepler, Daniel

...do...
...do...
...do. ..
do

Henesey, Patrick
Hipwell, James A
Hughes, John
Heaney, John
Jackson, William
Jenkins, Joel
Jones, Madison
Kersey, James
Kees, Andrew J
Lee, Robert
Moore, John
May, Adam
May, Charles E
M'Alister, William
M'Laughlin, Bern'd..
M'Gee, John
Oliver, James
Powell, William

...do...
...do...
...do. . .
. ..do. . .
...do...
...do...
...do. ..
...do.. .
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
...do.. .
...do. . .

Parks, James L
Plunkett, Isaac

...do...
...do...
do

Robson, John
Raferty, John
Sharts, Thomas T
Sharp, William
Shanley, Daniel
Sweeney, James
Thompson, John C . . . .
Wilson, John
Whitney Charles

...do...
...do...
...do. . .
...do. . .
...do...
...do...
. ..do. . .
...do...
do

White, Samuel
White, George
Weisbaden Julius

...do...
...do...
do . .

Wilson, George

...do...

448

REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

REGIMENTAL REUNIONS.
Gettysburg, Pa., October 19, 1886.

In response to an informal call by Colonel Coe Durland
of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cav
alry, to hold a reunion of the survivors of the regiment at
the Eagle Hotel at Gettysburg, Pa., October 19, 1886, forty-
five members and about as many of their friends responded
to the call. After the usual greeting, conveyances were se
cured and a tour, in charge of a competent guide, was made
over the battlefield, with frequent stops and lectures at
points where the regiment had engaged the enemy. This
was for the purpose of selecting the most prominent loca
tion for the erection of a suitable monument to commemo
rate the important part the regiment took in the great battle
fought on Pennsylvania soil.

In the evening a meeting was held in the room of Cor
poral Skelly Post No. 9, Grand Army Hall, at Gettysburg ;
and a permanent organization was effected. The following
officers were elected : President, Colonel Coe Durland, of
Honesdale, Pa., Vice-president and Treasurer, Brevet Lieu
tenant-colonel William Thompson, of Pottsville, Pa., Sec
retary Bugler H. P. Mover, of Lebanon, Pa. The presi
dent upon taking the chair made the following address :

"Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen — Accept my thanks for
electing me to this honorable position. It is quite a long
time since we broke camp for the last time at Clouds Mills,
Virginia. Boys born since that time will use the right of
franchise this fall, and are now older than many members
of the regiment who were mustered out June 16, 1865.
Others have received their final muster out and gone to
that home where there are no wars. Another twenty-one
years and there will be but very few of the old regiment
left to tell the tales of valor in that unholy War of the
Rebellion.

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"It seems to me very fitting that we should meet again.
The Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry
were the first troops of the Army of the Potomac at Gettys
burg, fired the first shot, and the gallant soldier is with us
today who dropped the first Rebel in that great battle of the
war which drove the Rebel host from our State. It has
been proposed that we form an organization for the pur
pose of perpetuating the memories of war times, for solicit
ing State aid for a monument to be erected on this battle
field and, more especially, that the surviving members can
and will be more social, and I hope that this reunion will
be the forerunner of many more similar occasions.

I am ever so much pleased to meet you all again, and I
hope, too, that at some future time, all the surviving mem
bers of this gallant old regiment that lost blood on over
fifty-seven battlefields of the Civil War, can be brought
together.

First Lieutenant James Brennan, of Scranton, Pa., read
the following poem.

. CAETERA DESUNT.
Unfurl our banner — once again

The shattered ranks reform,
Where, here on this historic ground,

We braved the battle's storm.

Time's enfilade has swept our line,

Not many now remain ;
Bring back our soldiers of the past

To fill the ranks again.

Call up the phantom troopers now,

From honor's marble thrall,
And thwart their silent camping grounds,

Ring out the bugle's call.

In line of blood their names are writ,

On fame's untarnished scroll,
On glory's field, where once they trod —

Call Fame's bright muster roll.

Behold! they come with martial mien,

From meadows, wood and glades,
From battered scabbards, high in air,

Leap forth their glittering blades.

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

Silent they pass in grim review,

Those spectral squadrons brave,
From out the shadowy ranks on high

Their shredded guidons wave.

No helmet bright : no waving plume,

Adorns the martial brow,
Bronzed warriors, battle scarred, begrimed,

Your comrades greet you now.

There being no prearranged program, the balance of the
evening was spent in reviewing army experiences, relating
scenes and incidents that occurred in camp, on the march
and on the battlefield. A number of distinguished persons
being present who were not members of the regiment, join
ed and succeeded admirably in contributing fuel to the
camp fire talks. Brevet Lieutenant-colonel William Thomp
son, Lieutenant P. J. Tate, and Lieutenant Baird Snyder
were appointed a committee to draft a constitution and by
laws for the association, and report at the next meeting.
Colonel Coe Durland, Brevet Lieutenant-colonel William
Thompson, Lieutenant Baird Snyder, Brevet Lieutenant-
colonel Theodore W. Bean, Captain J. S. Sponsler, Lieu
tenant A. D. Corse, Lieutenant James Brennan, Sergeant H.
T. John, and Bugler H. P. Moyer were appointed a com
mittee on monument. Lebanon, Pa., October 5, 1887, was
chosen as the place and date for the next reunion.

Lebanon, Pa., October 5, 1887.

The second reunion of the survivors of the regiment was
held in the Hall of Sedgwick Post No. 42, G. A. R., at Leb
anon, Pa., October 5, 1887. Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Wil
liam Thompson presided. Bugler H. P. Moyer made the
address of welcome which was responded to by the presid
ing officer, Colonel Thompson.

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

The Committee on Constitution and By-laws submitted
the following report which was adopted.

SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUNTEER CAVALRY ASSOCIATION.

i62d in Line.
PREAMBLE AND BY-LAWS.

We, the surviving honorably discharged soldiers of the Seven
teenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry in the war of
the Rebellion, for the purpose of aiding and assisting in the erec
tion of a monument on the Battlefield of Gettysburg, marking the
position of the regiment in said battle, under the provisions of an
Act of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl
vania, approved June 15, 1887, and fostering the ties of comrade
ship cemented in camp and field, do hereby organize the Seven
teenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry Association, and
adopt the following laws for its government.

ARTICLE I.

SECTION i. The name and title of this Association shall be The
Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry Association.

ARTICLE II.

SECTION i. All persons having an honorable discharge from the
Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, or from
the organization to which transferred from said regiment, are elig
ible to membership.

SECTION 2. The fact of honorable discharge shall be determined
by the president and secretary of the association, or the records of
the adjutant general of the United States or of Pennsylvania.

SECTION 3. Each person at the time of becoming a member shall
pay the sum of One Dollar, and thereafter One Dollar annually.

ARTICLE III.

SECTION i. The officers shall consist of a president, two vice-
presidents, a secretary, treasurer, and an executive committee which
shall consist of fourteen members, composed of one comrade from
each of the twelve companies, one from the field and staff, and one
from the line of the officers of the regiment.

SECTION 2. The nomination and election of officers shall take
place on the day of the meeting of the association.

SECTION 3. The president shall preside at all meetings, preserve
order and discipline, and appoint all committees not otherwise pro
vided for.

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

SECTION 4. The vice-president shall perform the duties of the
president in his absence.

SECTION 5. The secretary shall keep accurate records of the pro
ceedings of the association, a correct roll of all members, with their
post office address, and record the death of each member in a necro-
logical table, and have charge of the books, records, papers, and
by-laws of the association, and conduct the correspondence of the
association.

SECTION 6. The treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all
money received by him, and from whom, and shall pay no money
without an order signed by the president and attested by the secre
tary; keep his books ready for examination and make a report to
the association of its finances, at each meeting, and to the executive
committee whenever required by it.

SECTION 7. The management and control of the affairs of this
association not otherwise provided in these by-laws or by the asso
ciation at a meeting, shall be in the hands of the executive com
mittee when a meeting is not being held ; it shall fix the place, the
day of the month, of the meeting, and make all necessary arrange
ments for them; it shall have power to arrange for the erection of
monuments, collect and expend moneys therefor; it shall appoint
five members of the association as a committee to represent the
association to cooperate with the commissioners appointed by the
Governor of Pennsylvania under the provisions of an act of the
General Assembly of Pennsylvania, approved June 15, 1887.

ARTICLE IV.

SECTION i. The association shall hold regular meetings annually
at such place as shall be determined at the last regular meeting.

SECTION 2. The executive committee shall fix the time of the
meetings of the association, and the secretary notify each member
in due time.

ARTICLE V.

SECTION i. The president shall appoint two tellers and one judge,
whose duty it shall be to conduct the election of officers, none of
which being candidates. A majority of all votes cast shall be neces
sary for an election. In case no candidate has a majority on first
ballot, the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes shall be
dropped, and so on in each successive ballot.

ARTICLE VI.

SECTION i. Alterations and amendments to these by-laws may be
made at any meeting of the association, but only by a two-thirds
vote of the members present.

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

ARTICLE VII.

SECTION i. The order of business shall be :

1. Roll call.

2. Reading of proceedings of previous meeting.

3. Report of deaths since last meeting.

4. Report of committees.

5. Report of officers and executive committee.

6. Application for membership.

7. Deferred business.

8. New business.

9. Good of the association.

LEBANON, PA., Oct. 5, 1887.

We certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the
preamble and by-laws adopted by the survivors of the Seventeenth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, assembled in the Grand
Army Hall at Lebanon, Pa., Oct. 5, 1887.

COE DURLAND,

H. P. MOYER, President.

Secretary.

The following committee was appointed on monument with
power to act, viz. : Brevet Lieutenant-colonel, W. Thomp
son; Brevet Lieutenant-colonel, Theo. W. Bean; Lieuten
ant James Brennan; Sergeant H. G. Williams, Bugler H.
P. Moyer.

In the evening about fifty members of Sedgwick Post No.
42, G. A. R., with the Perseverance Band of Lebanon es
corted the visiting comrades to the court-house where
a camp fire was held and addresses were made by General
J. P. S. Gobin, Colonel Coe Durland, Brevet Lieutenant-
colonel Theo. W. Bean, Major Grant Weidman, Sergeant
H. G. Hunter and Bugler H. P. Moyer. Comrade Thomas
Kay, of Philadelphia, sang a number of songs, and the
Perseverance Band discoursed excellent music. After the
camp fire the members of Company E entertained their
visiting comrades at luncheon at the American House. Be
fore adjournment, the "Boys" unanimously voted this to
have been the most enjoyable occasion they had had since
the close of the war.

No regimental reunion was held in 1888, but the veterans
were quite active, effecting company organizations and so-

456

REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

liciting contributions to be used in connection with the State
appropriation for the proposed monument to be erected on
the battlefield of Gettysburg the following year. The com
mittee on monument, including Colonel Coe Durland and the
State Commissioners, met a representative of the Smith
Granite Company, of Boston, Mass., and adopted a mount
ed cavalry vedette as an appropriate design for the monu
ment, to be located at the junction of the Mummasburg
Road and Buford Avenue. The committee also issued a
circular letter addressed to all members of the old regiment
whose addresses could be ascertained, giving a description
of the monument, its location and cost. This was done for
the purpose of giving all the members of the regiment an
opportunity to contribute towards defraying the necessary
expenses of the monument, and to invite them to partici
pate in the unveiling and dedicatory services.

On the 1 2th day of October, 1888, the Monument Com
mittee, at the request of the Smith Granite Company, visited
the quarries of the company at Westerly, R. I., for the
purpose of examining the boulder and to make such correc
tions in the model as were deemed necessary. On the nth
day of June, 1889, the Smith Granite Company, informed
Brevet Lieutenant-colonel William Thompson that the
monument was placed in position and requested the com
mittee to meet the Pennsylvania Board of Commissioners
at Gettysburg, Pa., on the 2ist day of June, 1889, for the
purpose of accepting the same, if satisfactory. The committee
met the Commission and upon examination found the
monument located at the intersection of the Mummasburg
Road and Buford Avenue, near the residence of Mr. J. S.
Forney, at the point designated by the committee. They
also found that the work of the Smith Granite Company
had been satisfactorily performed, and the monument was
accepted by both the committee and the Board of Commiss
ioners.

REUNION AND DEDICATION OF MONUMENT.

Wednesday, September n, 1889, at eleven o'clock a. m.,
was the time fixed for the unveiling and dedication of the

457

REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

monument. The State furnished free transportation, to and
from Gettysburg, to every survivor of the regiment within
the limits of the State, who was,, previously to and at the
time of the battle, on the muster roll of the regiment. About
three hundred of the members of the old regiment answer
ed roll call on that day. Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore
W. Bean, of the regiment, delivered an appropriate ad
dress ; the Perseverance Band of Lebanon, Pa. furnished
excellent music; and a choir of some fifty voices of the
Methodist Church of Gettysburg, Pa., sang several appro
priate selections. At the time of the unveiling and dedi
catory services, the following programme was observed,
Colonel Coe Durland presiding, viz. :

Assembly Call by A. Donaberger, Regimental Bugler.

Music, Methodist Church choir, I. R. Dunkerley, lead
er.

Prayer, by Rev. H. Wheeler, regimental chaplain.

Music, Perseverance Band of Lebanon, Pa.

Singing, "Auld Lang Syne," chorus.

Oration, Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theo. W. Bean.

Music, Perseverance Band of Lebanon, Pa.

Singing, "America," chorus.

Bugle Calls, by the Regimental Bugler, A. Donaberger.

Music, Methodist Church choir of Gettysburg, Pa.

Benediction, Regimental Chaplain, Rev. H. Wheeler.

Taps, Regimental Bugler, A. Donaberger.

The exercises were held on the spacious lawrn in front
of Mr. J. S. Forney's residence. The lawn and stand were
beautifully decorated. The singing rendered by the Metho
dist choir of Gettysburg was specially prepared for the oc
casion and was so well received that several encores were
called for and rendered. The music of the Perseverance
Band was patriotic, and was enthusiastically applauded. The
address of Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Bean, the regimental
historian, was appropriate and eloquent, reviewing in detail
the part the regiment took in the battle of Gettysburg. All
the exercises of the occasion were thoroughly military and
patriotic, and a fitting climax to the regiment's gallant re
cord.

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

In the evening of the day of dedication an informal camp
fire was held at the Battlefield Hotel. Ex-governor Andrew
G. Curtin was the honored guest. Although quite enfeebled
in health, he contributed a very tender and feeling address.
He distinctly remembered President Lincoln's requisition up
on the State of Pennsylvania for three regiments of cavalry ;
and, because the War Department, up to that time, seemingly
had little faith in the cavalry service, (which later proved to
be so important and useful a branch of the military) how an
xious he was that the State should respond to this call by
sending the very best material it could produce. He minutely
detailed the instructions he gave to the recruiting offi
cers, suggesting that they confine themselves chiefly to
rural localities, and thus secure men of outdoor employment
and accustomed to the handling of horses.

The Ex-governor said, too, that he was glad to be pres
ent for another reason, — that it gave him a splendid op
portunity to reveal a secret which he had kept ever since
the regiment was organized. He said "When the commis
sions for the line officers of the regiment were presented
for confirmation, I approved all of them except that of Col
onel John B. McAllister, who had been elected colonel of
the regiment. Several days later the line officers of the regi
ment waited upon me in a body and urged the approval of
their choice, and when the request was again denied, I was
pressed for a reason. I refused again, saying, that for rea
sons best known to myself, I deem it wise not to divulge
them at this time.

"After assuring them there were no personal reasons, I
dismissed them, knowing full well that I had caused their
displeasure, and that I myself felt more distressed than
any one else. The reason he then gave was, that fre
quently commissions were issued to men who were not
qualified and knew practically nothing of military affairs
and proved themselves failures as commanding officers of
regiments. And, as I was very anxious that these three
cavalry regiments should have the benefit of the best mili
tary discipline and training, I made a request of Presi
dent Lincoln to detail, for each regiment, a regular army

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

officer who was thoroughly competent to command a regi
ment of cavalry, which the President agreed to do; hence
the appointment of Colonel Josiah H. Kellogg, who then
held a commission as captain in the First United States
Cavalry Regiment, as the commanding officer of your gal
lant regiment.

The Ex-governor was kind enough to say that, in the
recruiting of these regiments, his expectations were fully
realized, and emphasized the fact by saying that, of all the
regiments he had the honor of sending to the front, none
returned witth a more illustrious record than the Seven
teenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry.

Colonel Coe Durland, Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Bean,
and Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Thompson, and a number of
other comrades present made addresses which contributed
fuel to the camp fire talk. The veterans and their friends
seemed to refer with considerable pride to the records of
their regiment. Incidents and experiences that occurred in
camp, on the march and on the battlefield, were given, that
were thoroughly enjoyed by all who were present. It was
a red-letter day in the history of the old regiment such
as the boys had not enjoyed since the day it was mustered
out of service.

Chambersburg, Pa., June 3, 1896.

A reunion of the surviving members of the regiment was
held in Columbus Lodge Room, I. O. O. F. No. 75, Cham
bersburg, Pa., June 3, 1896, President Colonel Coe Durland
presiding. Forty-six members answered to roll call. Fifty-
four relatives and friends were also present. Companies
F and G having been recruited in the Cumberland Valley,
the surviving members of these two companies had pre
pared an elaborate program for the entertainment of their
visiting comrades. A prominent feature of the program
was the rendering of national airs and old army songs in
which the veterans heartily joined.

This having been the first and only reunion of the regi
ment at which Lieutenant James A. Clark, the adjutant of
the regiment, was present, he contributed, by request, a very

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

interesting talk on his experience in the several Rebel pris
ons in which he was confined. He detailed at considerable
length his capture at the battle of Winchester, W. Va., Sep
tember 19, 1864, the forced and cruel march to Richmond,
his confinement in Libby Prison from September 22, 1864, to
October 14, 1864, when he was transferred to the prison
pen at Salisbury, N. C, where, on account of the want of
shelter, insufficient food and the crowded condition of the
pen, the suffering of the prisoners cannot be described. He
said that, because of the congested condition of the pen and
the constant arrival of more prisoners, on November 12,

1864, he, with other prisoners, was transferred to Danville,
Va., and confined in an old abandoned tobacco warehouse,
where, for the want of any sanitary facilities, the place
became so filthy that he regarded his escape with his life
from that dungeon as marvelous. He said, on February 18,

1865, ne with others, was again transferred to Libby Pris
on at Richmond; on February 21, 1865, was paroled; April
5, 1865, was exchanged; and joined the regiment, May i,
1865. A beautiful and appropriate souvenir badge, bearing
on its face a mounted cavalry vedette, while the reverse
side gave name of regiment, with time and place of the
meeting, was presented to each member present.

Lebanon, Pa., October 14, 1898.

A reunion of the survivors of the regiment convened in
the hall of Sedgwick Post No. 42, G. A. R., at Lebanon, Pa.,
October 14, 1898, Brevet Lieutenant-colonel William
Thompson presiding. The visiting comrades being the
guests of Company E, Bugler H. P. Moyer, in behalf of the
company, made an appropriate address of welcome, which
was responded to by Major J. W. DeWitt. Twenty-eight
members responded to roll call. An invitation from the
Central District of Pennsylvania, Grand Army of the Re
public, to participate in a camp fire held in the court-house
in the evening, was accepted. At this camp fire Colonel Coe
Durland, Brevet Lieutenant-colonel William Thompson and
Bugler H. P. Moyer delivered eloquent and patriotic ad
dresses.

461

30— 17th R.

REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

Philadelphia, Pa., September 6, 1899.

A reunion of the survivors of the regiment was held in
one of the committee rooms of the Odd Fellows Temple,
in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., Wednesday, September 6,
1899, President Colonel Coe Durland presiding. Forty
members answered roll call. Lieutenant Enos P. Jeffries,
a resident of the city, delivered a warm address of welcome.
In behalf of the visiting comrades the regiment's chaplain,
Rev. Henry Wheeler, responded. After the usual routine
of business, Hon. Brum, of Minersville, Pa., delivered an
eloquent and patriotic address. He paid a glowing and fit
ting tribute to the American volunteer soldiers. Chaplain
H. Wheeler also delivered an appropriate address, empha
sizing the valuable service rendered by the boys in blue to
the country during the Civil War.

Gettysburg, Pa., June 6, 1900.

A reunion of the surviving members of the regiment was
held in the hall of Corporal Skelly Post No. 9, G. A. R., at
Gettysburg, Pa., June 6, 1900. President Colonel Coe Dur
land presided. Thirty-nine members answered roll call.
Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Thompson, Chaplain Henry
Wheeler, Lieutenant H. G. Bonebrake and Bugler H. P.
Mover made addresses. The compilation of a regimental
history was discussed and a number of suggestions and
propositions submitted. Bugler H. P. Moyer, of Lebanon,
Pa., was elected historian with instructions to solicit con
tributions and prepare data for such contemplated history.

After luncheon the comrades and friends were driven
over the battlefield in charge of Guide Luther Minnich. A
stop of at least one hour was made where the regimental
monument is located, at the intersection of the Mummas-
burg Road and Buford Avenue, where the first day's en
gagement was reviewed by Mr. Luther Minnich. Mr. Wil
liam Tipton, a prominent photographer of Gettysburg, was
engaged to meet the members and guests of the regiment
at this point and several excellent group photographs were
taken, after which the drive was continued and other promi
nent points of the battlefield visited. The occasion was
thoroughly enjoyed by those who were present.

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

Gettysburg, Pa., September 19, 1902.

A reunion of the survivors of the regiment was held in
Corporal Skelly Post No. 9, G. A. R., at Gettysburg, Pa..
September 19, 1902, Colonel Coe Durland presiding, who
delivered an appropriate address of welcome. The regi
mental chaplain, Rev. Henry Wheeler, responded. The en
rollment showed thirty-seven members present. A number
of communications were read from members of the regi
ment who could not be present. A number of the veter
ans were accompanied by members of their families and
by friends. Among these, was the wife of Chaplain Wheeler
who contributed a very entertaining impromptu address on
the conditions of the country that obtained during the
Civil War, and paid a glowing tribute to the men who
risked their lives to preserve our Christian nation. Colonel
E E. Wood, of West Point United States Military
Academy, Brevet Lieutenant-colonel William Thomp
son, Chaplain H, Wheeler, Lieutenant H. G. Bone-
brake and several other comrades made short addresses.
The regimental historian, Comrade H. P. Mover, made
a detailed verbal report of the progress made in solicit
ing data for the compilation of the proposed regimental
history. He reported having secured the services of Lieu
tenant James A. Clark, who, until captured in the battle
of Winchester, W. Va., September 19, 1864, had served as
adjutant of the regiment, to assist him in editing the his
tory. The historian made a strong appeal to those pres
ent to contribute data and funds necessary to prosecute
the work. After luncheon the members and their friends
enjoyed a most delightful drive to the regimental monu
ment and other portions of the field, in charge of Guide
James T. Long who delivered a number of interesting
lectures on some of the most important events of the
battle. The day was a memorable one in the history of
the association.

Gettysburg, Pa., October 23, 1908.

In commemoration of the forty-sixth anniversary of the
muster of the regiment, a reunion of the survivors was

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

held in the parlors of the Eagle Hotel, at Gettysburg, Pa.,
October 23, 1908. Both the president, Colonel Coe Dur-
land, and the Vice-president, Brevet Lieutenant-colonel
William Thompson, having died since the last reunion, the
secretary, H. P. Moyer, presided. In behalf of the citizens
of Gettysburg, J. Lawrence Williams extended a warm
address of welcome, to which Comrade H. P. Moyer, in
behalf of the veterans, responded. Thirty-eight members
answered roll call. The spacious parlors of the hotel were
crowded with the wives, daughters, sons and friends of
the veterans who were intensely interested in the proceed
ings of the meeting. A number of appropriate eulogies
were delivered incident to the services of some of the de
ceased members. Chaplain Henry Wheeler being un
avoidably absent, had sent the following greetings and
memorials which were read :

Lieutenant H. G. Bonebrake, Secretary.

My Dear Lieutenant and Comrade: Your invitation to be with
you in Gettysburg at a reunion of the survivors of the Seventeenth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry Association, was duly
received, and I very much regret that I cannot be with you on that
occasion on account of positive engagements for the month of Oc
tober, when I will be in Ohio.

I herewith take pleasure in sending you, and through you to all
our comrades who may be with you, on the occasion of the reunion,
my brotherly greetings and my best wishes for their happiness and
welfare. I know that every passing year diminishes our number,
and but few are now left to consummate a reunion, as the majority
have now passed to the great beyond. Since we met in reunion the
last time, Brevet Lieutenant-colonel William Thompson and Colonel
Coe Durland have died, and many others whom I did not know so
well. All survivors will remember Colonel Thompson as a brave
and energetic soldier; and the surviving members of the regiment
and our posterity will accord him gratitude in that he was one of
the chief agents by which our grand monument was erected to the
memory of those who gave up their lives for the honor of the flag
and the preservation of the Union in the mighty struggle at Gettys
burg.

Colonel Durland died suddenly, in Honesdale, Pa., in October,
1908. H. P. Moyer and I were at his funeral. I performed the
sad duty of burying him. He also was a good soldier of whose
career all who were associated with him were proud. At the time
of his funeral I was informed that in action on the field he had

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

seven horses shot under him. In business affairs he was an ex
ample of integrity. As a citizen he was patriotic and loyal, as a
soldier brave, a devoted husband and father, and in him we surviv
ors have lost a worthy comrade and companion.

Comrade Ferree, I remember well, and knew him up to recent
years. He was a good companionable man and comrade. His pose
in granite on our monument will outlast us all.

A few years ago I had the pleasure and the honor of preaching
to our comrades in Lebanon, Pa., and was the guest of Comrade
H. P. Moyer. Nine of our comrades of the Seventeenth Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, were present. I very much en
joyed the occasion and the companionship of Comrade Moyer and
his family. Those whom I have named as deceased are but a few
of hundreds who have died, and but few are left, and the number
is lessening with every passing year.

But, comrades, we have this consolation, as a rule survivors of
the Civil War are highly respected in every community where their
conduct has been upright, and the government has made generous
provision for the support of the needy. Another consolation lies in
the fact that what we fought for we won. Ours was not and is
not a lost cause. We fought for the honor of the flag; the flag is
now honored everywhere and a number of stars have been added to
the field of blue. We fought for the preservation of the Union;
that the greatest Republic the world ever saw should not be a fail
ure; that the noblest effort ever made by man toward a free and
independent government, untrammelled by monarchical traditions,
should be a success ; that, "a government of the people, by the people
and for the people should not fail from the earth." All this we have
preserved and established.

No man can ever be called upon for an apology for our war. No
participant in it can ever be taunted for its failure, and thousands
of our friends, the enemy whom we conquered, now acknowledge
their error and thank God for our success. Dear comrades, please
accept this greeting in the spirit of brotherliness in which it is
written, and be assured that I shall cherish in my heart a fond and
an affectionate recollection of my sojourn with you as your chap
lain.

May I not express to you my wish and prayer to God that every
one of us may find a personal Savior in Jesus Christ, and that, when
the last battle is fought, we may each one receive from him a wel
come and a crown.

Sincerely and fraternally yours,

HENRY WHEELER,

Chaplain Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry.

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

At this period of the meeting the following telegram
was received and read.

WASHINGTON, D. C, OCT. 23, 1908.

Secretary Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry Association Reunion,
Gettysburg, Pa., Eagle Hotel.

COMRADES : I extend through your association my deepest sym
pathy to the widow and daughters of our late comrade, Lieutenant
James Albert Clark, late adjutant of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania
Cavalry Regiment, who passed away on the i6th of October, 1908,
and was buried in Arlington Cemetery, at Washington.

I most sincerely regret that I cannot be with you today. In F.,
C. and L., your sister.

(Signed) ELIZABETH B. DONEHOO,

Widow of the late Capt. Henry M. Donehoo, Company B.

Immediately after the reading of the telegram the busi
ness of the meeting was suspended for a short time and
the entire assemblage arose while Rev. H. F. Long, of
Company I, offered a most fervent prayer in memory of
our departed comrade. Mr. Miller of Gettysburg sang
with good effect a parody on "Just Before the Battle,
Mother" accompanied by Miss Jeanette V. Seiber on the
piano. A number of reminiscences were given by comrades,
which were greatly enjoyed. A large number of letters
were read from members who could not be present.

A recess was then taken for the purpose of visiting, in
a body, Lieutenant P. J. Tate, a resident of Gettysburg
and at one time a member of the regimental staff, who was
now an invalid and unable to attend the reunion. He very
highly appreciated the visit.

After a special dinner served by the host of the Eagle
Hotel, the members and friends were driven to the monu
ment of the regiment in charge of J. E. Pitzer, where he
delivered an interesting and instructive address on the
first day's fight of the battle. Here several group photo
graphs were taken of the party. Special interest was also
manifested in a visit to the- Buford monument on the
Chambersburg Pike where, on the morning of July i, 1865,
just as the battle opened, General Buford looked through
his field glass and observed the first approach of the enemy,

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

and, under his personal direction, ordered the first gun to be
fired from Battery B, Second U. S. A. The four guns of
the battery form the base of the Buford monument, and
the gun firing the first shot of the battle is labeled with a
brass plate, telling of the incident. The monument of Gen
eral John Reynolds, who fell near the spot, the same morn
ing, is only a short distance from that of General Buford.

The Seventeenth was a part of Buford's division, and
held the right of the line in the attack that morning.

The occasion was voted a complete success, both in plea
sure and interest. Many new associations were formed and
old ones renewed and all expressed warmest gratification
that they were present.

Gettysburg, Pa., September 17, 1909.

A reunion of the surviving members of the regiment
convened in the parlors of the Eagle Hotel, at Gettysburg,
Pa., September 17, 1909. Colonel E. E. Wood, of the
United States Military Academy at West Point, New York,
presided. Hon. Theodore McAllister, color sergeant of
the First Maryland Cavalry, Potomac Home Brigade, and
a member of Corporal Skelly Post No. 9, G. A. R., De
partment of Pennsylvania, delivered the address of wel
come, to which Colonel Wool responded as follows :

"Mr. McAllister and through you to the people of Gettys
burg:

''This is the forty-third annual reunion of our association,
and most of our meetings in the past have been held at this
historic town. The cause of this is not far to seek when
we consider the different sites and places associated with
the history of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Or
ganized at Harrisburg and that site, therefore, its first place
of meeting; thence to Washington and then to the Rappa-
hannock and to the Rapidan ; then to the Potomac and to
Gettysburg; back to the Rapidan and through the Wilder
ness to the James ; next Winchester and the fair and famed
valley of Virginia; thence through Charlottesville back to
the James and to the crowning glory of Appomattox ; then

467

REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

Petersburg, Richmond, and Washington, where the regi
ment passed out of existence as an organization, but not
from the memory and hearts of its members.

"Many of these places could well be our meeting ground,
as they have for us recollections and associations both as
poignant and reverent. But in none of these places are
these recollections and associations so soul-stirring and im
pressive as in this town of world-wide renown; for the
name of Gettysburg is of solemn import, its memories are
deep and reverent, and its site is almost holy ground.

"For here, as we know, was the supreme conflict of our
great war; here it was, on those memorable days of July,
that a nation's fate was trembling in the balance; here, in
the clash of battle and with the loss of precious lives, it
was decreed that our nation should have a new birth of
freedom and that our government should not perish from
the earth.

"On the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, which did
its part on those eventful days, those feelings and memories
act with redoubled force and make this our appropriate
meeting place. Here also are the chiseled features of a
member of our association who has answered to his last
roll call ; here also lie those who gave up their lives that the
nation might live, and where as we meet we almost feel
their unseen presence teaching us increased devotion to our
country to which they gave the last full measure of devo
tion. Sir, those memories and feelings associated with
Gettysburg draw upon our very heart-strings and lead us
back both with reverence and with gladness to meet again
at this historic town.

"Need I say, sir, how much our feelings of reverent glad
ness in coming together here and in meeting our comrades
of long ago are heightened by the welcome you have ex
tended us; a welcome doubly heightened by the kind and
eloquent terms you have used in greeting us so cordially.

"It will be a source of pride and satisfaction to us all
to feel that we have been so cordially and so eloquently
welcomed.

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

"Mr. McAllister, in the name of the association I ex
tend to you our most sincere and hearty thanks for the
kind, cordial, and eloquent greeting you have given us on
behalf of the people of Gettysburg."

Thirty- four members of the regiment answered to roll
call. A large number of communications were read from
members who could not be present.

The afternoon was devoted to a drive to the monument
and other points of interest on the battlefield, in charge
of J. E. Pitzer, who delivered several interesting lectures,
explaining some of the most important engagements of the
battle, which were highly appreciated by the veterans and
their friends.

Another meeting was held in the parlors of the Eagle
Hotel in the evening when the regimental historian gave a
detailed statement of the progress made since the last meet
ing in securing data and facts for the regimental history,
and made a strong appeal to the comrades for their hearty
co-operation. The following committee was appointed to
assist the historian in the compilation and publication of a
regimental history, entitled. "The History of the Seven
teenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry," with
power to act :

Brigadier General E. E. Wood,

Major J. W. DeWitt,

Captain I. N. Grubb,

Lieutenant H. G. Bonebrake, }- Committee.

Sergeant J. A. Loose,

Sergeant Jos. E. McCabe,

Sergeant J. C. Jones.

The historian submitted a list of engagements in which the
regiment participated.

Gettysburg, Pa., September 26, 1910.
A reunion of the survivors of the regiment was held at
Gettysburg, Pa., in the hall of Corporal Skelly Post No.
9, G. A. R., Monday, September 26, 1910. In the absence
of the president, General E. E. Wood, the Vice-president,
Lieutenant C. H. Gresh, presided. Comrade John H.

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REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

Zinn offered an invocation, after which John D. Kieth,
Esq., of Gettysburg, in behalf of the citizens of Gettys
burg, delivered a cordial address of welcome. The presid
ing officer, Lieutenant Gresh, made an appropriate and pa
triotic response. Seventy-seven members answered to roll
call. Every company of the regiment was represented.
There were also fifty-eight guests present, making the total
number present one hundred and thirty-five. Excepting
the dedication of the regimental monument, September
n, 1889, this was the largest reunion the regiment has had
since it was mustered out of the service. Comrade G. F.
Lidy, of Company G, read a fitting obituary on the deaths
of the deceased members, which was adopted.

Major H. P. Moyer, the regimental historian, submitted
a somewhat lengthy report of the manuscript already pre
pared for the contemplated history, and made a strong ap
peal for additional contributions. The members and
friends present expressed warmest approval of the report,
after which the committee on regimental history made the
following report:

We, your committee appointed to assist the historian in
the compilation of a regimental history of the Seventeenth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, beg leave to
report that, since the last reunion of the regiment, some
three hundred pages of manuscript for the history have
been prepared. The manuscript consists chiefly of ex
tracts from official reports from corps, division, brigade
and regimental commanders; the itinerary of the regiment
from its organization to the date of its muster out; and
reminiscences and incidents that occurred in camp, on the
march and on the battlefield, contributed by members of
the regiment. Company rosters and individual service re
cords have been tabulated from Pennsylvania's great war
historian, Samuel P. Bates, author of "Pennsylvania Vol
unteers, 1861-1865," and from Brevet Lieutenant-colonel
Theodore W. Bean's "Roll of Honor of the Seventeenth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry." Thus is pre
sented as reliable and authentic a record of the regiment

470

REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

and its services aS can be obtained at this late date. All
of which is respectfully submitted.

E. E. Wood,

J. W. DeWitt,

Isaac N. Grubb,

Jacob A. Loose, ^Committee.

Henry G. Bonebrake,

Joseph E. McCabe,

Joseph C. Jones.

The committee's report was unanimously adopted and the
following resolutions passed :

Resolved, That the manuscript and data prepared and submitted
by the historian, Comrade H. P. Moyer, for the compilation of a
regimental history, the same having been approved by the historical
committee, be and the same is hereby approved.

Resolved, That the officers and the committee are hereby author
ized and instructed to present the same, together with such additions
and amendments as the historian or committee may deem proper,
to the Governor of the Commonwealth, the Adjutant-general, and
the Auditor-general of the State, and to proceed with the publica
tion of the same.

Sergeant Joseph E. McCabe, a member of Company A,
who served as one of General P. H. Sheridan's scouts,
gave a very interesting address on his experiences and ser
vices in that capacity. He produced a number of original
passes, telegrams, letters and other communications he had
received from President Abraham Lincoln, Hon. Edwin
M. Stanton, Secretary of War, General P. H. Sheridan,
and other men of high rank. He also exhibited a rare
medal of honor which he received from the Secretary of
War for distinguished services. All these the sergeant
prizes very highly.

Mrs. E. B. Donehoo, widow of Captain H. M. Donehoo,
of Company B, read a paper entitled "Reminiscences
of the Civil War," setting forth how she, immediately after
the battle of Gettysburg, left her home in Pittsburg and
worked her way to Gettysburg to look after and care for
the sick and wounded, (fearing her husband was one of

471

REGIMENTAL REUNIONS

them,) going through the Confederate lines, enduring hard
ships and endangering her life. A vote of thanks was
tendered her as an appreciation of the paper read.

G. Frank Lidy, by permission, read a paper entitled, "An
Historical Account of General R. E. Lee Resigning as Col
onel in the United States Army and Accepting a Com
mission as General-in-Chief of the Confederate States
Army."

A resolution was unanimously passed requesting Con
gress to remove the statue of Major-general R. E. Lee
from the hall of fame at Washington, D. C.

Gettysburg was selected as the place of holding the next
reunion. After adjournment the members and guests pres
ent were taken in conveyances to the regimental monument,
in charge of J. E. Pitzer, where he delivered an instructive
address on the first day's engagement; and later, to the
State monument, where he delivered a second address, re
viewing the second and third day's engagements. Before
the members and friends separated all voted this to have
been the most enjoyable reunion ever held by the asso
ciation.

472

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1 7th

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Full text of "History of the Seventeenth regiment, Pa. volunteer cavalry or one hundred and sixty-second in line of Pa. volunteer regiments, war to supline the rebellion, 1861-1865;"

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